DIY: Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Condenser

A view of an air conditioner condenser unit in the backyard of a home.

Specific maintenance steps are required for your air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency. Periodic cleaning of the outside air conditioner condenser is a task you can do yourself. Here’s how to keep cool. Why cleaning the condenser is important Air conditioning works through the principle of heat transference. Inside your house, return vents draw […]

A Bigger House Means a Bigger Budget

An expensive bigger house with a swimming pool in the evening.

You’ve saved money, your family has grown and you’re thinking of buying a bigger house. Of course, it will come with bigger mortgage payments, but there are other cost increases to consider. Let’s count them to see if you are financially ready for a bigger house. Purchase and administrative costs Obviously, a bigger house comes […]

September To-Do List: Kick-off to Fall!

Man Clearing Leaves From Guttering Of House

While it may still feel a lot like summer, September signals the official kickoff of the fall season, which means it’s time to bring on the fall decor and all things pumpkin-spiced as well as the rakes, the weather stripping and the heavier clothing. So here’s a handy to-do list to help you navigate the […]

May To-Do List – 10 Chores to Gear-up for Summer

Photo of a smiling black woman washing windows as part of her May To-Do list chores.

Before shifting gears into summer, here’s a handy list of chores for the busy homeowner. See if you can beat that Memorial Day deadline. Before the heat becomes unbearable, tackle all that clutter hiding in the attic. Pass along unused items to family and friends or donate to a worthy charity in your area. Recycle […]

April To-Do’s: Home Maintenance Musts

April To-Dos home maintenance tasks outside the house.

Longer days and warmer temperatures mean it’s time to seize the opportunity to get outside and accomplish those outdoor chores. Here’s a to-do list to get you motivated. If you haven’t already, it’s time to prep the lawn and garden beds for spring and summer. Apply fertilizer and weed control and clear any remaining leaves […]

Nine Home Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Neglect

Homeowner performing home maintenance task of sealing window with caulk.

Weekends are a time to relax and enjoy family and friends, but be sure to set aside time for some home maintenance tasks. Doing so will keep your home and its systems, equipment and appliances in top shape and save you money. Though it’s not a comprehensive list, here are nine important tasks you shouldn’t […]

Protecting Your Marvelous Marble

Kitchen marble bench close up with black hanging pendant and vase.

Marble is one of the most beautiful surfaces available for countertops, floors and other home uses. A type of limestone, marble’s stately lines and veins are the result of natural processes. But because this elegant substance  is somewhat soft and porous, it requires special maintenance to preserve its classic beauty. Here’s how to care for […]

Checklist: Spring To-Dos for Homeowners

Woman gardener take care of the plants in the pot on the veranda while man digs the ground with a shovel in the garden on a sunny day. They are completing items on their Spring To-Dos list.

That winter chill is retreating and the prospect of warm Spring weather is no longer a distant dream. Get your house and yard ready with these 10 maintenance musts. NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, building and construction trades are essential to maintaining the safety and operation of private residences. Therefore, service providers such as plumbers, […]

Checklist: November To-Dos for Homeowners

Man caulking windows on his November to-do list.

It’s November, which means increasingly cold temperatures, peak football season and the prospect of the holidays right around the corner. Why not stay warm and take care of several indoor chores that should be completed annually? Lubricate door locks. Use a tube of graphite dust and squirt directly into the locks. Using the key, turn […]

Checklist: October To-Dos for Homeowners

Green lawn mower in the garden at autumn sunset. Leaf removal and final mowing are on October home maintenance tasks.

October is synonymous with cooler weather, changing leaves, apple harvests and trick-or-treat. It’s also a great time for homeowners to prep their houses for a long winter snooze. Check this handy list of home maintenance tasks to complete before sweater weather is over and overcoats are required. Winterize lawn equipment. After using your power lawn […]

Attention to Home Maintenance Now Will Avoid Big Repair Bills Later

As a homeowner, it’s far better to keep up with routine maintenance than spend big bucks down the road on repairs and replacements. Here’s a handy guide to key maintenance issues and how often they should be completed. Monthly maintenance. Change the filters to your heating and air intake ducts, unless you own a systems […]