http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com Seasonal Maintenance - Fall Home Remodeling Articles http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Ins-and-Outs-of-Fall-Maintenance-for-Your-Home&ID=2764 There are a number of important tasks that should be done around the house to ensure that not only you and your family will stay warm, but your home will run efficiently throughout the winter. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Ins-and-Outs-of-Fall-Maintenance-for-Your-Home&ID=2764 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Take-A-Deep-Breath:-The-Effects-Of-Indoor-Air-Quality&ID=2752 The effects of indoor air quality impact the health of human beings in ways that often go unsuspected. Houses are built to be airtight to reduce energy costs, and as a result, indoor air can actually be polluted in many ways because there's no means for bad air to escape. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Take-A-Deep-Breath:-The-Effects-Of-Indoor-Air-Quality&ID=2752 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=About-Home-Insulation-Ratings&ID=2751 As if home ownership didn't already have its moments of confusion, now you are trying to figure out what home insulation ratings mean and what they have to do with your house. Plenty of fun times ahead for you. Seriously though, learning about the home insulation ratings is just another way for you to be an educated homeowner and understand the ways your home could benefit from higher quality insulation. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=About-Home-Insulation-Ratings&ID=2751 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=A-Quick-Guide-to-Fall-Home-Maintenance&ID=2743 Beginning home maintenance projects to prepare for cooler weather requires a keen eye and a little know-how. If you're planning to get your home ready for the fall and winter months, make sure you know what to replace, what to repair, and what to remove entirely. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=A-Quick-Guide-to-Fall-Home-Maintenance&ID=2743 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Gutter-Cleaning-101&ID=2350 To work effectively, gutters and downspouts must be free of leaves and debris. If they aren’t, water fills the gutters, pools up and rusts metal or rots wooden cutters, overflow, and eventually pulls gutters free from their mountings. Sounds nasty doesn’t it? There is a better way: plan to clean your gutters at least twice a year. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Gutter-Cleaning-101&ID=2350 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Make-Your-House-Efficient-and-Environmentally-Friendly&ID=2348 Many people wonder what they can do make their houses more environmentally friendly and efficient. You can employ quite a few ideas and practices to help achieve an environmentally friendly house. The great news is that many of these steps require no more effort than you already put into your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Make-Your-House-Efficient-and-Environmentally-Friendly&ID=2348 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-To-Prepare-Your-Windows-for-Winter&ID=1974 Did you know that even a closed and well-maintained window could still cost you money on your utility bill? It’s true! Hot air moves toward cold air and that is the primary reason widows lose air even when closed. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-To-Prepare-Your-Windows-for-Winter&ID=1974 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Maintain-a-Pilot-Light&ID=1973 A pilot light on your furnace is a small open flame that is fed by a steady flow of gas used to ignite the gas that heats your home. Problems can occur when the gas flow is obstructed or misdirected, or when the pilot light is blown out. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Maintain-a-Pilot-Light&ID=1973 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Stay-Warm-This-Winter-With-Home-Insulation&ID=1972 Are you breaking one of Dad’s favorite rules and trying to “heat the whole neighborhood”? Well, if your home was built before 1980 the chances are that your home is under-insulated and you are allowing heat to rise up through your ceilings, into the attic, past the roof, and completely out of your house for good. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Stay-Warm-This-Winter-With-Home-Insulation&ID=1972 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Applying-Caulking-Effectively&ID=1970 Learning the correct method for applying caulking may be one of the most important skills you can learn as a homeowner. It may not seem like it's all that important until you consider all of the purposes that caulking satisfies. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Applying-Caulking-Effectively&ID=1970 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-of-Smoke-and-Fire-Detectors&ID=1943 Most of us wouldn't dream of spending the night in a place without a working smoke and fire detector. These essential devices double the odds of surviving a home fire and are attributed to saving more lives than any other "insurance" policy against fire. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-of-Smoke-and-Fire-Detectors&ID=1943 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Included-in-a-Home-Inspection-Starter-Kit&ID=1939 There are a couple of very good reasons why you may be interested in a home inspection starter kit. It could be that you want to go into the home inspection industry or you want to know how to professionally evaluate your own home or possible property purchases. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Included-in-a-Home-Inspection-Starter-Kit&ID=1939 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Go-With-the-Flow:-Circuit-Breakers-101&ID=1938 There aren't a whole lot of people who spend time thinking about circuit breakers until something goes wrong with theirs. Most of us blissfully expect our home's circuit breakers to keep things running smoothly without any attention or help from us. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Go-With-the-Flow:-Circuit-Breakers-101&ID=1938 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Regular-HVAC-Air-Ducts-Cleaning&ID=1937 Some days it's just enough to manage to clean the dishes in your home without thinking about something as mundane as cleaning the HVAC air ducts. However, if those ducts aren't cleaned or working in good order, you could potentially have more problems than you ever wanted. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Regular-HVAC-Air-Ducts-Cleaning&ID=1937 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Rubber-Caulking-Components&ID=1934 There are so many tiny details involved with home repair that learning the difference between silicon, acrylic latex, and rubber caulking may not seem all that important. However there are all kinds of odd jobs you will need caulking for and it's important to understand the differences and how they can be most effectively used. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Rubber-Caulking-Components&ID=1934 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Making-an-Appointment-with-a-Two-Zone-Setback-Thermostat&ID=1915 A two zone setback thermostat is like making an appointment with your house. You schedule the temperature you want your house to be while you're home and away. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Making-an-Appointment-with-a-Two-Zone-Setback-Thermostat&ID=1915 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Your-Fall-Home-Maintenance-Checklist&ID=1914 As the seasons change, nature offers a good reminder to take a look at your home to make sure it isn’t changing too much. To help take stock of some pressing issues surrounding the proper winterization of your home, check out these practical and energy saving strategies. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Your-Fall-Home-Maintenance-Checklist&ID=1914 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-Does-Your-Garden-Grow?-Find-Out-with-a-Soil-Test-Kit&ID=1913 The soil test kit assists gardeners with determining the pH level and levels of other minerals in the soil in the garden or where you plan on planting grass. The pH balance of soil can seriously affect the ability of plants and grass to grow. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-Does-Your-Garden-Grow?-Find-Out-with-a-Soil-Test-Kit&ID=1913 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Save-Money-with-Window-Insulation-Coverings&ID=1912 Did you know you can save a lot of money on your utility bill with window insulation coverings? Did you also know hotter air will travel towards colder air which is why windows are so good at losing air and creating drafts even when closed. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Save-Money-with-Window-Insulation-Coverings&ID=1912 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Right-Home-Insulation-Can-Help-You-Control-Your-Home's-Temperature&ID=1911 Home insulation is just as important to a house as the hot water heater or double paned windows or any of the other house components. Without insulation you waste a lot of energy and run up your utility bills unnecessarily. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Right-Home-Insulation-Can-Help-You-Control-Your-Home's-Temperature&ID=1911 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Chimney-Maintenance-101&ID=1910 If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you need to learn how to clean your chimney. When you burn wood, creosote builds up on the inside of the chimney. If it’s allowed to get too thick it can block the smooth flow of smoke and ash. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Chimney-Maintenance-101&ID=1910 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Clean-Air-Furnace-for-Trouble-Free-Operation&ID=1892 A clean air furnace is important to efficient operation. If a furnace is not properly maintained and checked at least once a year, it can increase utility bills and be unable to keep your house warm the way it’s meant to do. Keeping your furnace clean also keeps your air unit operating safely. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Clean-Air-Furnace-for-Trouble-Free-Operation&ID=1892 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Avoid-Issues--Check-Pilot-Lights&ID=1891 Gas furnaces have pilot lights and they must be lit and working properly in order for the furnace to operate. When the pilot light goes out two things can happen: Gas can escape without burning and the furnace will blow cold when it should be blowing warm air. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Avoid-Issues--Check-Pilot-Lights&ID=1891 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Your-Refrigerator-Cool-–-Clean-Coils-Regularly&ID=1890 When you are cleaning house, you should also regularly clean refrigerator coils. They are something that’s often “out of sight and out of mind”, but clogged refrigerator coils can seriously impact the efficient operation of your refrigerator. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Your-Refrigerator-Cool-–-Clean-Coils-Regularly&ID=1890 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Sediment-Out-with-a-Clean-Hot-Water-Heater&ID=1889 A clean hot water heater works much more efficiently than one allowed to fill with sediment. Though drinking water is normally clear and clean, some sediment is bound to get into the water lines periodically. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Sediment-Out-with-a-Clean-Hot-Water-Heater&ID=1889 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Free-Falling-with-Gutters-and-Downspouts&ID=1885 When it rains, you find out quickly if your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. If they are clogged with leaves and debris, the rain can’t flow freely and backs up. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Free-Falling-with-Gutters-and-Downspouts&ID=1885 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Stop-That-Draft:-Weatherstripping-Sliding-Glass-Doors&ID=1843 Weatherstripping sliding glass doors can save you money and make your house more comfortable. If you’ve ever sat by a glass door and swore you could feel the wind blowing right through it, you probably have weather-stripping in doors and/or windows that has deteriorated. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Stop-That-Draft:-Weatherstripping-Sliding-Glass-Doors&ID=1843 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Useful-and-Practical-Tips-on-Cleaning-Rain-Gutters&ID=1094 The best tips on cleaning rain gutters are those that make the task easier, safer, and more effective. Cleaning out your gutters is probably not at the top of your list of things you like to do, but it is one of the best preventative measures you can use to keep greater water damage from occurring in and around your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Useful-and-Practical-Tips-on-Cleaning-Rain-Gutters&ID=1094 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Is-Your-Heating-Ductwork-Sealed-and-Contained?&ID=1092 Heating ductwork is an unseen part of your home but it has a great impact on the comfort level and temperature of your home. If your ductwork leaks air then you are not getting maximum airflow to all parts of your house. This can lead to some rooms being noticeably colder than others in the winter or hotter than others in the summer. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Is-Your-Heating-Ductwork-Sealed-and-Contained?&ID=1092 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Best-Tips-For-Winterizing-Pools&ID=1038 Taking care of your pool not only saves you time but can also save you money on unnecessary costs for repairs. This is why it is so important to take the necessary steps to winterize your pool for the cold months ahead. Here are some tips for winterizing pools that can help you through this process. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Best-Tips-For-Winterizing-Pools&ID=1038 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Winterize-a-Manufactured-Home&ID=1023 Learning how to winterize a manufactured home can save you money on repairs, heating costs and can also help to preserve the life of your home. By winterizing your home each year, you will not only save in heating cost, but you will usually find any minor repairs before they become major problems. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Winterize-a-Manufactured-Home&ID=1023 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Basic-Home-Maintenance:-Repair-Leaky-Gutters&ID=982 When you find that you have leaky gutters, there are two common reasons why you might need to repair them. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Basic-Home-Maintenance:-Repair-Leaky-Gutters&ID=982 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=All-Pool-Owners-Should-Know-How-to-Winterize-a-Swimming-Pool&ID=929 Learning how to winterize a swimming pool is quick and easy, so there is really no reason not to do it. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=All-Pool-Owners-Should-Know-How-to-Winterize-a-Swimming-Pool&ID=929 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Protect-Your-Investment:-Apply-Wooden-Deck-Sealers&ID=922 Wooden deck sealers your wood and your investment. Sealing your deck will make your deck keep it's beauty longer. So, take the time to make sure this simple task is completed. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Protect-Your-Investment:-Apply-Wooden-Deck-Sealers&ID=922 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-Of-Home-Roof-Repair&ID=842 There is no better time then the present to start examining your roof for possible repairs. Home roof repair is extremely important to keep further expensive damage from occurring on other areas of your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-Of-Home-Roof-Repair&ID=842 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Clear-Weatherstripping-For-Windows&ID=706 Weatherstripping and weatherizing is a smart way to reduce your energy costs and clear weatherstripping for windows accomplishes this without compromising the look of your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Clear-Weatherstripping-For-Windows&ID=706 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Fall-Maintenance:-Wood-Door-Weatherstripping&ID=705 When you are weatherproofing your home for energy efficiency and to reduce drafts, you need wood door weatherstripping as well as weatherstripping for your windows. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Fall-Maintenance:-Wood-Door-Weatherstripping&ID=705 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Replacement-Window-Weatherstripping:-A-Smart-Investment&ID=704 When replacing a window or windows in your home, it’s important to also consider replacement window weatherstripping. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Replacement-Window-Weatherstripping:-A-Smart-Investment&ID=704 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Don't-Put-Off-Your-Roof-Repairs:-Find-Roof-Repair-Contractors-Now!&ID=664 Roof repair contractors are as varied in their skills and practices as the types of roofing you might have on your home. This makes finding the right contractor for your needs very difficult. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Don't-Put-Off-Your-Roof-Repairs:-Find-Roof-Repair-Contractors-Now!&ID=664 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Improve-Heating-Efficiency-In-Your-Home&ID=329 Find out ways to reduce heating costs and stay warm and toasty during cold winter weather. Improving heating efficiency not only helps keep you and your family warm, it will also help reduce the amount of money you spend on those gas, oil, or energy bills. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Improve-Heating-Efficiency-In-Your-Home&ID=329 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Air-Duct-Cleaning-Improves-Indoor-Air-Quality&ID=270 Many people completely overlook air duct cleaning. There are some who believe air duct cleaning is non-beneficial and a waste of time. However, professionals advise that homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned a minimum of once a year to ensure the air you breathe is clean. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Air-Duct-Cleaning-Improves-Indoor-Air-Quality&ID=270 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Inspect-and-Protect-Your-Home:-Foundation-Waterproofing-Methods&ID=187 One of the most common causes of damage to your home is water leaking into the basement from the foundation. There are many foundation waterproofing methods in use today. This guide will take a quick look at two of the most common. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Inspect-and-Protect-Your-Home:-Foundation-Waterproofing-Methods&ID=187