The New Year has arrived! Start things off right this year and get your home in shape with some great tasks to complete in the month of January:
Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors
The beginning of the year is a great time to make sure all of the safety devices in your home are working properly, including your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A new change of batteries is always a good idea, and some experts even recommend going as far as testing the sensors of the smoke detectors with the ‘candle test’. (Simply light a candle, blow out the flame, and position the candle directly below the smoke detector to ensure that it sounds the alarm.) It is recommended to replace smoke and CO detectors entirely every 10 years.
Protect Pipes From Freezing
While your furnace is keeping your pipes warm inside, it’s a good idea to insulate any exposed outdoor pipes. If you’re planning to be away from home for a long period of time, ask a friend or neighbor to check in on your home, and if need be, turn on your water to a trickle. You can also protect your pipes by keeping watch on the temperature of your home while away with a smart or wifi thermostat.
De-clutter & Organize Your Closets
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season may have left your home in disarray, which is why January is a great month to clean out unnecessary items from your home. Gather up clothes, shoes, home decor, old electronics, etc. that have long gone unused and donate them to a local Goodwill, Salvation Army or shelter in need. You will feel great ridding of the excess clutter, and you will make a difference by giving back to those who are less fortunate in your area.
Clean Your Kitchen Pantry
Has it been a while since you’ve seen the back of your pantry? Set aside time to check the expiration dates of the food in your pantry and refrigerator. Rid your cabinets of expired goods and donate food that is still within the expiration date but either going unused or in an abundance to a local shelter.
Contribute To Clean, Healthy Indoor Air
Winter weather is here to stay, and with that, you will be spending a lot of your time indoors. Clean your home often, but beware of synthetic fragrances in home cleaning products; they can emit dozens of different chemicals into the air. Stock up on fragrance-free, mild cleaners that don’t include artificial fragrances. Use aerosol sprays (deodorants, hair sprays, furniture polish) in moderation, and arrange indoor plants throughout your home to purify the air.
Plan For Home Projects
Thinking of remodeling the kitchen or bath, painting rooms, or upgrading your heating and cooling system this year? Set goals and prioritize home projects for the year. Consider attending local home shows in the upcoming months to meet contractors, collect information and learn about promotions avaliable for completing these projects!
Most importantly this month: STAY WARM! With the cold winter temperatures sweeping the region, your furnace will be working very hard to keep you comfortable. In the event of a furnace breakdown, call the fast, friendly team at Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing!
Request Furnace Service » | Get A Free Quote On A New Furnace »
