Home Improvement Ideas for 2016

Considering that we spend about 90% of our time in our homes, it’s a great idea to invest energy into improving them. Here are a few practical ideas for homeowners who want to make their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient this year:

• Reduce energy use by sealing and insulating the ducts from the heating and cooling system. Ductwork can be found in hard-to-reach places, such as crawl spaces, attics and inside walls. The most accessible ducts should be sealed first by using duct sealants and fiberglass insulation. This article provides more tips for cutting energy costs.
• Improve indoor air quality by maintaining the HVAC system and changing furnace filters regularly. The kitchen and bathroom should be ventilated to reduce humidity and airborne pollutants. Using low-VOC paints on walls for a fresher home is also worth noting. When using the fireplace, burning pressed wood should be avoided, as it usually contains formaldehyde. Real firewood is much better. More tips on how to keep indoor air fresh here.
• Unclutter the home room by room. Homeowners are advised to start with one area (such as the basement) and use boxes to organize items by category. For extra storage space, the spaces between wall studs or under the stairs should be considered.
• Reduce water use in the home by installing EPA-certified WaterSense products. Another water-saving product worth mentioning is the low-flow showerhead, which reduces water flow while keeping the pressure high. Those who have a pre-1994 toilet should consider replacing it with a low-flow toilet that requires just one gallon of water when flushed.
• Drain a quart of water from the water heater every 3 months or so. First, a hose must be attached to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Then, the water can be drained into a bucket or other recipient. This task will reduce the amount of sediment that builds up in the water tank, prolonging the life of the heater.

There are numerous other ways a home can be improved. A good tip for finding something to improve is to walk around the house and inspect every structural or mechanical aspect. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.

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