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Posted almost 11 years ago

Easy Home Improvement Tasks that Can Save Money on Your Property

Small 1395156454 Refrigerator Coils

In the midst of everyday property management tasks, it can be easy to ignore jobs that don't scream out for our immediate attention. After a while, heavy dust build up and everyday wear and tear can leave owners with serious spring cleaning and fix-ups. Here are some important tasks you may have overlooked.

1 Air Duct Cleaning

The build-up of allergens and bacteria within an air duct system can create a distinct odor that won't go away, even with the use of pricey air fresheners. If you want to have clean-smelling indoor air that's free of dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and mildew, it's imperative that you have your air ducts cleaned professionally. Allergy-sufferers, in particular, need to have regular air duct cleaning in order to live and breathe comfortably.

“One of the greatest benefits associated with professional duct cleaning in Calgary is the improvement of air quality,” explains Just in Time Furnace Inc., who specializes in furnace duct cleaning in Calgary. In most homes, professional air duct cleaning should be performed every 3 to 5 years; however, if you have pets, or if you or a loved one has allergies or smokes, duct cleaning should be done every 2 to 3 years.

2 Drain Cleaning

Over time, soap scum, long strands of hair, hardened grease, and small bits of food can line your drain pipes with a thick film of brownish-black sludge that won't wash down without some kind of intervention. While chemical drain cleaners may seem like the logical remedy, they can actually do more harm than good as they release harmful toxins in the air that can cause serious respiratory problems. They are also highly corrosive and can ruin drain pipes.

For best results, hire a plumber for professional drain cleaning services and ask about "hydro jetting". Hydro jetting is an innovative method of drain cleaning that utilizes high-pressure reverse water jets to successfully flush away years of stubborn drain build-up.

3 Water Heater Flushing

In order to properly maintain your water heater, the tank should be flushed out at least once a year. This flushing is needed to remove sediment deposits that can shorten the life of your water heater. For safety reasons, it's best to hire a professional plumber for this task.

4 Clean Refrigerator Coils

If you want to save money on your utility bill, you will need to clean the coils on your refrigerator every six months. Dirty coils are less energy-efficient and will force your refrigerator to work harder than it has too. Prior to cleaning, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and shut off the circuit breaker. You will need to use a vacuum cleaner with various attachments, followed by warm soapy water for proper cleaning.

5 Seal Your Deck

The combination of harsh weather conditions and constant exposure to harmful UV rays can cause your outdoor deck to warp, split, crack, and fade. Deck sealing is a multi-day task with a waiting time between cleaning and sealing. However, it is time well spent as a properly maintained deck will last longer and will give your home more curb appeal, too.

Preventative home maintenance is the key to saving hundreds and thousands of dollars on repairs and other monthly expenses. If you need more information on how to perform the above tasks on your own, consider watching helpful online videos by skilled experts who can show you, such as this one about cleaning refrigerator coils.


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