Thursday, February 13, 2014

Getting your home ready for spring!

Interior


Clean or replace your furnace filter. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of your home’s AC system. If the filter is reusable, remove it, wash down with a hose and then re-insert.
Test your air conditioning system. If you wait until the first hot day of the season day to check it and have a problem, you’ll probably be waiting quite a while to have it serviced!

Check caulking around all doors and windows. Improper caulking allows for moisture to get inside your walls and cause mold. This is also the perfect time to wash/clean all windows and replace torn or damaged screens as necessary.

Test smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries and cleaning dust from the covers.
  
Clean ceiling fans. Whether you utilize overhead fans year-round or only during the warmer months, wipe down blades with an all-purpose cleaner. In addition to a providing a calming breeze, ceiling fans increase the overall airflow throughout your home.

Dust and check wattage of light bulbs. While cleaning each bulb, check for correct wattage. A fire can result within a light fixture, wall or ceiling if the wattage used in a fixture is too high.

Clean out your refrigerator and freezer. If you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year for maximum efficiency. Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces, and place new boxes of baking soda in each to maintain overall freshness.

Exterior


Check for possible damage to the roof.  Look for missing, cracked or broken shingles and make note of any needed repairs.

Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are directing water away from the house.

Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing within five feet of the house or that are brushing up against the roof. You will create better ventilation, help dry out surfaces and prevent possible damage.
Check for and repair cracks in driveway/sidewalk. Spring is the best time to seal cracks in the driveway or any other concrete.
Spring is the optimal time to perform both indoor and outdoor pest control. 
Clean/condition your BBQ grill by first rinsing all outside surfaces with water. Wipe off loose grease using grill cleaner and paper towels. Follow by washing with a mild detergent and water. Rinse well and wipe dry.


One last hot tip: You can use spring cleaning as a prompt to schedule household maintenance and service checks that will prevent problems down the line....and don't forget to checkout the HOME WATCH TEAM who's looking after your clean home when you go on vacation :-)


Carefree Homewatch SWFL is only one call away: 239-560-4551


 
  

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks - Have a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year!

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:
·          Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
·          Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
·          Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
·          Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
·          A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
·          Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
·          Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.   Save your alcohol for after the show.
·          Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
·          NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
·          Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
·          Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
·          Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
·          Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

·          Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.  For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visitwww.FireworksSafety.org.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Nearly 400,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. during Holiday Season each year, according to the FBI. At a time when so many are away from home – shopping or on vacation or getting together with loved ones - Burglars are looking for a score!
Here are some tips how to take extra precaution:
·        Resist the urge to share your travel plans on social networking sites. It makes it easy for people to track you.
·        Don’t advertise what type of gifts might be in your home. If you received a new TV for a gift, break down the box so it fits into a trash container. If you leave the box lying in front of your home you are just making your home an easy target.
·        When you are away, lock all doors and windows (the most common point of intruder entry).
·         Make sure your house has a lived-in look by not allowing mail or papers to accumulate and leaving a parked car in the driveway (if possible).
·        High-wattage exterior lighting, set on timers along with indoor lamps, helps neighbors spot suspicious activity at night.
·        Last not least: Make arrangements with your trusted Home Watch Service before you leave!

Wishing all our clients, friends & families
a happy holiday season and a safe, healthy 
and prosperous new year.




Monday, December 9, 2013

According to the U.S. Census more than 15 % of all homes in the US are left unattended for an extended period of time at some point.
  • What happens if a water pipe or an appliance starts leaking,
  • What if the air condition unit stops functioning,
  • What if the pool pump burns out because the water level in the pool hasn't been watched?

Leaky roofs and plumbing, mold and pests are silent, hidden dangers capable of causing significant damage to your home if undetected.

Being proactive by hiring a Professional Home Watch Company is money spent worthwhile.
Frequent visits to your home make it look lived-in and trained eyes detect potential issues and problems before they get out of hand.

Your benefits:
-        Damage prevention and limitation
-        Burglary and vandalism prevention
-        Insurance savings (less claims, more safety)
-        *Home inventory on file
-        Preserving property value
-        Peace of Mind
-        Time saving
-        Your Vacation time will be 100 % Vacation time

*Free service offered by CareFree HomeWatch SWFL

Please call us for a free consultation at 239-424-6300 or email roni@carefreehomewatchswfl.net

CareFree HomeWatchSWFl, Cape Coral, Florida