Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Early spring is the best time to ensure your central air conditioner is working. Don’t scramble for a service call during the first heat wave. To get started, replace or clean your indoor air filters. Next, follow your manual’s instructions on how to turn off your thermostat and all AC power connections. ( Do not touch or disturb any electrical connections, as some parts may hold a charge.) Next, remove the unit’s outside screen and determine if any motor points require lubrication. Then examine the condenser coils and exterior fan to ensure they are clean and unobstructed.  Remove any debris or was off with the garden hose.  Finally carefully replace all covers  turn on the power, and set your thermostat low enough to start it up. ( only do this step when it is at least 16 degrees Celsius outside ) If it looks, acts or sounds unusual, or if you feel uncertain about its operation, arrange for a pre-season service call.

Our homes harbor more than just our families and possessions. Home is also where pollutants, allergens, and other irritants accumulate and thrive, with possible harmful effects on our health. There are simple steps homeowners can take to improve the air quality in their home and increase their comfort and well being.

HANDLE HUMIDITY
High humidity is one of the main contributors to mold and dust mite growth, both of which adversely affect indoor air quality. Keeping indoor humidity below 50% will help prevent further infestation, although once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity. To reduce humidity levels in the home, always use ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. Consider using a dehumidifier in especially humid locations such as basements, which usually have poor air circulation and are prone to dampness.

DUST UP THE DUST
Reducing dust in the home can also improve air quality. Dust can be comprised of pollen, mold spores, lint, animal dander and even bacteria. While it’s impossible to completely rid a home of dust, there are ways to control it. Purchase a quality vacuum cleaner and use it regularly. Many vacuums are now available with HEPA filters that trap small particulate matter and keep it from being blown back into the room. Change or clean furnace filters regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions. High quality furnace filters are more expensive than ordinary types, but are more effective at filtering dust, pet hair, and other particles.

GO AHEAD AND VENT
Opening doors and window whenever possible can also help with indoor air quality. The home will have better air circulation and “breathe” better, and of course homeowners will enjoy fresh air on a nice day.

CHEMICAL SENSE
Many cleaning products are now available in less toxic and environmentally friendly formulations. Manufacturers have made significant improvements to these products over the last few years, and many “green” cleaners and detergents now do an equal or better job than their conventional counterparts. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, and other products so they aren’t leaking fumes into your home. Homeowners should check with their local trash collection company for instructions on how to properly dispose of such items. Check for leaks or damage to packaged household products such as cleaners and solvents, and dispose of accordingly.

By taking these relatively easy steps, homeowners can truly make their home a breath of fresh air.

Source: Pillar to Post Home Inspections

It’s summer and even though they are selling their house, your clients may be going on vacation. Share these useful tips with them to ensure their house and your listing is protected.

When your mailbox is full, it’s an indication the house or apartment is vacant. Consider replacing a small mailbox with a larger one to keep your mail out of sight. If you are going to be away for more than two days, ask Canada Post to hold your mail and call the newspaper office to stop delivery until you return. Have a neighbour hold any free newspapers and junk mail for you. A pile of papers and mail is a clear sign your home is vacant.

Burglars can pick up on all sorts of signs that you’re away. The “lived-in” look can fool them. Arrange to have someone mow the lawn or shovel the walk, clear your car off if it snows, or park a car in your driveway if you’re taking yours. You can even ask a neighbour to put a bag of garbage at your curb on garbage day.

Give a trusted neighbour a spare set of keys and tell him or her:

• when you’re leaving and returning,
• where you’re going,
• how you can be reached in case of emergency (a phone number),
• when you expect to return, and
• if anybody will be at your home (gardener, repair person).

Ask the neighbour to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and simply to check your house once in a while. A house that is dark 24 hours a day is a telltale sign. Set lights on timers in various rooms. Timers are inexpensive and effective, especially the multiple-program type.

Have the lights go on and off at different times each day, so a burglar can’t pick up on a pattern. Using timers on lights or certain appliances gives your home a “lived-in” look that thwarts robbers. Motion sensor lights outside can also startle a burglar and make him flee. Consider installing them at the front and back of your house.

Don’t advertise that your home is empty by leaving notes on your door saying you’re away. People sometimes do this when they’re expecting deliveries, but if a burglar reads it you may just as well leave the front door open. Ensure your doors and windows are securely locked. Don’t forget about the garage; unplug the overhead opener. Make sure you take the key out of the door when you lock up. You’d be surprised how often people forget! To be extra safe, place a block of wood in the lower track of sliding doors or windows to prevent them from being forced open.

Burglars know all the hiding spots for valuables. If you can’t bear the thought of a favourite piece of jewelry being stolen, put it in a safety deposit box while you’re gone. Your insurance company will help if you suffer a loss, but sentimental items can never be replaced.

Take an inventory of your goods and ensure it is in a safe place away from your home. If you do suffer a loss, it will make filing a claim much easier. It’s difficult to remember how many CDs you have, what the winter boots look like and what the pattern of Granny’s silver was. Use a tape recorder, video camera or digital camera to speed up the process. Or use a company that specializes in videotaping belongings.

Remember your homeowner’s policy will cover your possessions temporarily removed from your home – that includes the contents of your suitcase – so keep track of what you’ve packed.

Courtesy – Insurance Bureau of Canada and Marsh’s Private Client Services

Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example:Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hidea key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.

• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:

• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.

• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you’re away during the day.

• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system

•Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.

• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.

• Don’t show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.

• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.

• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your door. Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call.