Money Savers

When was the last time you checked your filters for the air/furnace? If you don't remember, it's time. Get the old ones out and clean or replace them now! Look at the existing filter for the size and direction it goes. Before summer hits. They should be done once a month unless you have the 3 mth. kind. If you see a dirt spray path coming from the vents, your really ready, do it now!! This is a big money saver on buying new units and bad air! It also saves having to have your vents cleaned. While your at it clean the exterior vent with a vacuum, (the vent that covers the filter). You can buy permanent type filters at the hardware store, that you only have to spray off and let dry. In the long run they save money too!

Computer

Turn off your computer at night, it gives the computer a chance to empty the RAM, and it saves energy!

Computer

Be sure when you are done in the evening w/ your computer to "log out" of all accounts, this way you can be sure to not leave anything open for outside invaders.

Money Savers

Turn off all "not in use" appliances to save on energy. Get some of those funny looking bulbs, but make sure to replace all on the same cord/circuit, like the lights in the ceiling, (if you don't they will burn out faster, if mixed w/regular bulbs). Save the box they came in as when they do burn out the company, should replace them for the price of shipping. They will ask for the date on the bulb.

Money Savers

Screws:
Whenever I do a repair, I try to use as many existing screws, nuts, and bolts as possible. Check for wear and tear on them. If they look okay, why not? Save the new ones for down the road.

Money Savers

Got a key that is hard to make it work in the lock? Maybe, The handle is tough to turn.
Graphite, it's a little tube of black stuff (graphite) that you nip off the end of the tube and spray a very small amount directly into the lock. It works great on cars also. It also works on door hinges, just be sure and shoot it where nobody can see it, behind the door. This is another one of those items you should keep around the house, It has many more uses.

Winter Checklist

Winter Wonderland
Well, with the weather turning unseasonable. Now is a good time to double check things around the house, Unless your interested in starting a project right before Xmas? Climb into the attic area to see if there any water,snow leaks, if it's too cold to repair mark them with a marker, chalk etc. Make a note of this, (spring project). Again make sure you disconnect all hoses, blah, blah. Check your filters and make sure the thermostat we installed is, and on heat. Check your fireplace for a lot of creosote soot/nasty stuff, if need be you can clean it or get a chimney sweep, yes, they're still around. I've seen those logs you can burn, but I can't guarantee their usefulness, check with the hardware guy at your local store. Some work some don't. Make sure the oven is clean before cooking the holiday feast, nothing worse that smokey burnt food! Check the fluids, brakes, tires, WINDSHIELD wipers , blinkers ,tail and headlights in your car. This would be a bad time to breakdown. Have an emergency kit in the car, Blanket, flares, working flashlight, tire flat-fix, shovel (for you snowed in souls) extra car charger for the cell. Look for candles that are pretty much past their prime, replace them I know you want your house warm, but I hope not this way! Look for loose wires, bad connections on the Xmas lights in and out. Put a shot of vodka in the water in your tree, another fire hazard! Check for air leaks, bottom of doors, windows etc. air escaping is expensive, and like air conditioning you can neither heat nor cool the outside, no matter how much you try. Make sure you have propane for the grill. I know it's cold stay by the grill you'll be warm enough. Check on that elderly neighbor, make sure they have everything they need and their warm enough. They make great neighborhood watches! Make sure their heat is on and the pilot is also on. C'mon take a look at their filter too!