1. Check Your Smoke Alarms.
With so many other household expenses, it’s easy to want to skip buying new smoke alarms. Especially if your home came equipped with them. But smoke alarms aren’t reliable indefinitely. They wear out. Here are signs your smoke alarms might need to be replaced. If your smoke alarm is over ten years old, the exterior plastic has yellowed, it beeps all time, has recalled parts or doesn’t respond during its monthly test, it’s time to replace it.
Smoke alarms lose sensitivity over time. A clue to the age of your alarm is the color of its case. The plastic in a smoke alarm case contains bromine, a fire retardant, and exposure to UV light causes it to yellow over the years. If your smoke alarm has yellowed, it may be too old to be effective. Check the manufacturer’s date printed on the alarm to be sure of its age.
If you need an upgrade, swap in a combo smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. When buying multiple alarms at once, shop in bulk to save.
Most people don’t know that you should be testing your smoke alarms monthly.
2. Check and Replace Air Filters.
Knowing when to replace your air filter isn’t as hard as having the new filter ready to go. Best practice is to change your air filters seasonally, or every three months. If it’s covered in dust, pet hair and grime, it’s time to change it. How quickly it gets clogged has to do with factors like air quality, pets and your geographic location. We stock quality brands to choose from like Filtrete and more.
The two most common types of air filters are fiberglass and pleated. Fiberglass filters typically need to be changed every 30 days and don’t trap dust and particles as effectively, but they’re common because they’re more affordable. Pleated filters cost more but last longer, roughly 90 days, and do a better job of trapping air contaminants. Shop, subscribe and save by getting your air filters delivered. It’s one less thing to remember.
3. Replace Your Water Filter.
Thanks to smart fridge technology, it’s easy to know when your water filter needs to be replaced. An indicator alert goes off letting you know it’s time for a switch. A harder task is remembering to buy that replacement filter. Take the guesswork out and subscribe, so a new filter arrives when you need it. If someone turns off the indicator light, you can tell it might be time for a new filter if your ice looks dirty or cloudy, your water stream is running slow or your water tastes off. The average filter lasts about six months, so jot down the date on the filter when you install a new one to give you an analog way to remember when to order a new one.
4. Clean Your Kitchen Appliances.
A new kitchen isn’t really yours until you’ve scrubbed the previous homeowner’s spills off your appliances. A few spots to start: your dishwasher, refrigerator and stove. But work smarter instead of harder.
- For the refrigerator, remove and soak heavily stained drawers and shelves in dish soap in your sink. It’s easier to wash them in the sink than to tackle the mess with a cleaner and paper towel while they’re still in the fridge.
- In the dishwasher, check that the filter is clean and run a cycle using a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh. If you need a more detailed guide, use these step-by-step directions.
- For the oven, remove and soak the burners and oven racks if needed. Run the self-cleaning feature to burn off any grime inside. Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while the self-clean cycle is on. The oven gets incredibly hot. When it’s done and completely cooled, all you’re left with is fine white ash to wipe out of the oven.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat.
The average thermostat lasts about 10 years, but if your electric bills are high, your HVAC is constantly turning on and off or you’re getting inaccurate temperature readings, it’s time for an upgrade. Buying a new thermostat, especially a smart thermostat, might feel pricey but it can lower your utility bills by ensuring your heat or air conditioner only runs when needed. Also, some smart thermostats offer rebates as a thanks for investing in an energy-efficient model. Newer thermostats have more options for automation, are easier to read and can help you track your heating and cooling patterns. Some models can even be operated from an app on your phone.
6. Swap in Smart Light Bulbs.
LED light bulbs have come so far. They’re so energy efficient. Pay attention to the color temperature to find the best fit for each room in your home. Normally a soft, warm-tinted bulb will be the most flattering. You can invest in smart light bulbs that can be turned on and off from an app on your phone. There are even bulbs that mimic natural circadian rhythm throughout the day, dimming as it gets darker to support a more restful sleep.
7. Consider a Ceiling Fan.
Swap builder-grade light fixtures for something that does more than light a room. A ceiling fan with a built-in light provides air circulation or cooling in a room and does so with less energy than a window air conditioner unit.
If you’ve moved into a home that already has ceiling fans, give the blades a good cleaning before you turn them on. Dust hides on the top of the blades when they’re not in use and can send a shower of dust bunnies all over the room when you turn on the fan. Use an old, damp pillowcase or a ceiling fan blade cleaner to get the job done without a mess. Depending on the season, use a switch located on the base of the ceiling fan to switch the air flow from cooling (summer) to circulation (winter).
8. Clean Your Washer and Dryer.
If you’ve inherited units or your machines get a lot of use, cleaning them makes them feel like new again. Start by using a paper towel and your favorite all-purpose cleaner to remove stuck-on gunk and detergent from the rim of the washer and rinse out the detergent and fabric softener dispenser. Use water and a soft bristle brush to remove any residue on the rim of the washer barrel. Run a cycle with a washing machine cleaner like Affresh to do a systemic clean. Beyond aesthetics, it’s important to clean a dryer for safety reasons. Trapped lint can be dangerous, so a dryer vent cleaning kit can help remove lint build-up.
9. Add Smart Home Technology.
Take your charming 1950s colonial into the new century by investing in smart home technology. You can make tasks like answering the door, unlocking the door or playing music room-to-room so much easier. The Ring video doorbell lets you keep an eye on your porch, so you decide whether to let someone into your home. Keyless locks allow you to provide a code for guests, pet sitters or babysitters. Plus, they remove the need to fumble through your bag looking for keys when you’ve got a bag full of groceries. While these items once were considered a luxury, they’ll pay for themselves in convenience.
10. Consider Replacing Your Boiler or Water Heater.
A water heater lasts, on average, about six to 12 years. If your water heater is outdated, consider replacing it with a tankless heater and you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water again. Look for other features like smart technology that allows you to manage your water heater from your smartphone. It also alerts you if a leak is detected. Take advantage of Lowe’s same-day installation for your water heater too.
File this under a big home repair. A boiler typically needs to be replaced about every 15 years, and it needs maintenance annually. During your home inspection, they may have tested its efficiency. While this swap will cost you more upfront, over time it will save you money by heating your home more efficiently.
While décor renovations often take priority, this punch list can make your home feel better, safer and most of all — built-to-last.