The final month of the year is also one of the busiest. Between winter prep, holiday festivities and end of the year organizing, there’s much to be done. Take a look at this list for some December maintenance.
Check out the HVAC – Cold temperatures have already hit many regions of the country, and they’ll continue to drop throughout the winter. Make sure that your home can handle what’s in store by scheduling a routine check-in with a HVAC specialist. Not only do the pros clean the furnace and replace the filter, but they also check for dangerous leaks to keep you safe.
Clean the oven – More than likely, Thanksgiving dinner left a mark on your kitchen. Now is a good time to give your appliances a deep clean. Not only will they look better, but they’ll work better, too. Don’t forget to vacuum dusty refrigerator coils to improve your energy efficiency and lower your utility bill.
Figure out the thermostat – It’s normal to see energy usage and bills spike in the colder winter months. Shorter days will force home owners to keep the lights on longer. Those things aside, there’s a lot that can be done to reduce energy costs. If you decorate with holiday lights, opt for efficient LEDS that use less energy to put out of the same amount of light. Perhaps most importantly, seal or cover drafts.
Update molding – Crown molding add a timeless quality to any room. If your living room, dining room or bedroom need a change, consider installing trim along the ceiling, floor and around the windows and doors. This relatively quick project is easy to DIY and makes a big impact for your dollars.
Upgrade your lighting – Cloudy winter days and longer nights make ample lighting necessary. Stretch your DIY skills and try your hand at making your own lamp. Pick up a lamp kit at any home center, and thread it through the base of your choice, whether cast concrete, an up cycled vase or plumbing pipes.
Organize your closets – It’s time to clear out cluttered closets, workshops, pantries and kids’ rooms. Take an inventory of what you have, and weed out the things you rarely use or don’t need. Check with a local donation center to determine what they will take.
Take a look at tax credits – Every year, there is a variety of tax that home owners can cash in on for a bigger rebate next April. Make sure that you reap your rewards before the year is out. For example, taking a few steps to make your home greener and more energy-efficient can earn you up to $500 in tax rebates.
