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Handyman Hints for Homeowners

By: Lifschitz


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Check the blockage for attic louvres by wasp's nests and put sheet metal, wire screen or wood over any openings, including under the eaves, to prevent animals from nesting.

Remove and store your window air-conditioner. Make sure to clean the coils and filters and cover loosely for the winter. If you are leaving the air conditioner in the window, put a weatherproof cover over it to protect it during the winter.

Clean your lawnmower and other garden tools before storing.

Make sure your fireplace is in safe working order. Check that the damper opens and closes msoothly and fits properly, to prevent heat loss. Check inside the fireplace to make sure no bricks are loose or broken. If your fireplace is smoking excessively, check the chimney for fallen bricks.

Before the first frost arrives, drain exterior water lines, hose bibs, sprinklers and pool equipment before the first major freeze. Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.

Make sure your roof can handle the load of winter. Having a professional roof inspection is one way to catch minor repairs before they become major.

What to look for when shopping for a furnace?

Depending on the age of your furnace, as much as 60 percent of your home's total energy costs could be gobbled up heating your home. The savings in a new high-efficiency condensing gas furnace may be the best investment you can make.

According to Natural Resources Canada, upgrading from an old furnace to a high efficiency gas furnace not only increases the resale value of an existing home but can also reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels.

Here are a few points to keep in mind when shopping for a new furnace:

Consult a professional

Start by consulting a heating professional to determine your needs and budget. A qualified professional can calculate your heating needs to give you a basis for comparative shopping.

Check the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) before you buy; the higher the number, the more efficient the furnace.

If your home has a large heating load, a high-efficiency model might be your best choice. Although more expensive to buy, it should pay off in energy savings over the life of the furnace.

Mid-efficiency models may cost less, but can cost more to vent. Keep this in mind when comparison shopping. Your heating professional can give you the best advice, based on your home's design.

Plan your decorating for the holidays

The holidays are just around the corner and fall is the time to put your house in order.

Plan your decorating projects now and book your painter well before the late fall rush.

Summer traffic is hard on your flooring. Book appointments now to have your carpets cleaned and your hardwood refinished or cleaned.

A professional cleaning can give your interior a fresh new look for the holidays. Hire pros to come in and clean your home from top to bottom, including walls, blinds and windows.

If you are expecting holiday guests, give the rest room a facelift. Fresh paint, luxury bedding and a new window treatment will welcome your guests.

A fresh coat of paint can transform your tired interior, and there's still time to book before the holidays. Avoid disappointment and call Homeservice Club of Canada for an appointment and a free estimate today.

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