A new year means a fresh start. For many people, that means starting a diet, kicking bad habits to the curb, or committing to an exercise routine. These are all great goals, but another way you can improve your health and comfort is by tackling the following home improvement projects.
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Seal Leaky Ductwork
If you want to improve your energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable, this is one of the best things you can do. It is also one of the cheapest repairs you can do. Ideally, the network of ducts in your home is already sealed at every junction. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in older homes. If your ducts are leaky, you could be losing money on your energy bills.
To prevent heat from escaping through gaps in your walls and ductwork, you should seal your ducts. You can tell if you have a problem by going from room to room and seeing which spaces are hotter or colder. If you have hot spots in your rooms or dust around your vents, you may have leaky ductwork. An HVAC technician can do a pressure test to see if leaky ductwork is the issue or not.
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Fix Your Leaks
Many homeowners ignore leaky faucets because they think that they are just a minor issue. While it may seem minor, a leaky faucet can lose up to eight gallons of water each day. If you have a running toilet, you can end up wasting 200 gallons a day. Also, leaky pipes and faucets can cause moisture to accumulate. Over time, this can lead to mold damage and expensive repairs.
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Clean Your Air Filter
If you replace a clogged filter with a clean one, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency by 5 to 15 percent. Ideally, filters should be cleaned or replaced each month. When you install a new filter, write the date on it so that you know how old it is at a glance. If you have air quality problems because of allergens like pet hair, you may want to get a new air filter with a higher MERV rating. This rating indicates how effective the filter is at trapping small particles. The smaller the particles, the higher the filter’s MERV.
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Add a Trash Can to Your Bathroom
Clogged toilets are a common problem, but you can easily prevent this issue by adding a trash can to your bathroom decor. If your guests have a trash can available, they are less likely to flush things down the toilet. As a general rule, you should only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet because even flushable baby wipes can cause your system to back up.
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Get an Inspection
It is impossible to know the extent of the problem if you do not get an inspection. You can only repair an issue if you know it exists. A professional inspector can look for hidden problems like a water leak, old electrical systems, and termite infestations. Once you know that there is a problem, a professional can help you fix it.
Bottom line: With 2020 here, it is time to get your home ready for another year. Through a few changes, you can increase the value of your home, make it more comfortable to live in, and improve your energy efficiency. If you need help making home repairs, our team is available for consultations. For HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, call JSP Home Services at (845) 209-1700 .
