Cleaning household faucets and shower heads should be added to your annual cleaning schedule. Keeping these items clean will improve water quality and pressure.

Clean household faucet aerators by removing them and rinsing to remove grime and mineral deposits. Shower heads that don’t come apart can be soaked in place. First, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it into a plastic bag. Secondly, put the plastic bag around the shower head immersing the holes in the liquid. Finally, secure the bag with a tie and leave it to soak. Once you have cleaned your faucets and shower heads, check all parts for leaks.  Be sure to replace washers, knobs, shower heads and faucets that are leaking.

Water leaks can cause major damage. As a result of annual maintenance, you could avoid costly repairs. You may find after cleaning that your faucets and shower heads leak or are still inefficient. This is typically the case when they are older. Replacing these items is fairly simple and cost effective. You may find that updated shower heads are more efficient at saving water while providing better pressure. Updating faucets can also go a long way to providing an updated appearance to your bathrooms and kitchen.

Looking for more maintenance tips? Click here. Have questions about the current real estate market in your local area? Give us a call, we’re here to answer any real estate questions you might have.

It’s a great time to clean all of your fans and vents! When making your list, don’t forget to include the following items:

• Ceiling fans – In most rooms you can simply wipe off all of the blades with a dusting cloth. For ceiling fans located in and near a kitchen, you may need a de-greaser first.
• Bathroom fans – It is important for these to be working properly to prevent excess moisture in your bathroom. Remove the cover and carefully vacuum away accumulated dust near the motor. You’ll also want to clean the vent cover itself.
• Dryer vents – While it’s important to clean your lint trap after every load, don’t forget to clean the vent itself. Dryer vents are not only a significant fire hazard, not cleaning it regularly can reduce the efficiency of your dryer.
• Range hoods – Range hoods require regular cleaning to prevent grease build-up. Make sure you remove the metal filter and soak it a couple of times a year. If you are unable to clean it, it’s something you can replace fairly easily.
• Heating vents – Before you turn on the heat for the winter, remove and clean the register covers and vacuum out any debris in the vent itself. 
• Duct work – You will find plenty of information for and against this process. However, if you change your filters regularly, you shouldn’t have a problem. There are times when it may be beneficial in older homes. 

Also, make sure to replace fans and vents that are damaged or don’t work properly. As a result, you’ll keep your family safe by improving air quality and preventing fires.

Looking for more maintenance tips? Click here. Or maybe you have questions about the current real estate market in your local area? Give us a call, we’re happy to answer your questions.

Spring is a great time to test your smoke and CO detectors. It is important to your family’s health and safety to ensure they are working properly. You should find a test button on each of them. Pressing the test button should confirm that they are working as expected. Also, once you have tested them you should replace the batteries. Not all smoke and CO detectors have a hard-wired back-up. Consequently, if the batteries die you will not be alerted by these devices. For that reason, if you make it a habit to replace them each spring, you won’t have to worry.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International offers an abundance of information regarding home safety. Click here for detailed information about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire escape planning. Want more helpful tips? Click here.  Or Get in touch – we’re here to help you reach your real estate goals.

**Both smoke and CO detectors are required to be present in your home prior to a sale. The quantity and location of these devices may vary by county and state. Make sure you are in compliance before an appraisal to prevent closing delays. Not sure how many you need and where to put them? Your listing agent should be able to instruct you.