Entries Tagged as 'Top Ten Tips'

Sep 22

10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Home Maintenance and Improvement , Home Safety Tips , Top Ten Tips No Comments »

Here are 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

  1. Roof: Check the roof and around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
  2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
  3. Gutters: Clean the gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house.
  4. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
  5. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
  6. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
  7. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
  8. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
  9. Heating System: Have the heating system serviced. Change filters.
  10. Hot Water Heater: Drain the hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
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May 15

Safe Boating Week 2011 - May 21 - 27

General Information , Top Ten Tips 1 Comment »

Living in Florida certain has its perks if you enjoy sunshine and the water. There are few places in the world where you can have the opportunity to enjoy spending time cruising the canals or open ocean in near perfect year round conditions. Of course these incredible conditions also mean that several other Florida residents will be out on the water enjoying themseleves as well which is why boater safety is so important here in FLorida.

The National Weather Service has partnered with the National Safe Boating Council to help promote safe boating practices. Each day during Safe Boating Week the NWS will disseminate a Public Information Statement and broadcast public service announcements on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. 

The Following safety messages will air on NOAA Weather Radio during Safe Boating Week 2011: May 21 - 27

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Mar 23

10 Real Estate Tips for Homebuyers

Central Florida Real Estate , First-Time Homebuyers , Home Buying Tips and Advice , South Florida Real Estate , Top Ten Tips No Comments »

10 Real Estate Tips for Homebuyers

Make a new home wish list: Whether you are researching online, going to open houses or using a real estate agent, keep a list of what you would most like in a new home and prioritize it so you can determine what is most important to you and your family. If using a real estate agent ensure they know your requirements so they only show you relevant homes.

Create a realistic timeline for your move: How long do you have to buy your home?  How long do you want to look at new homes before purchasing? Keep in mind it will take some time to secure your mortgage and close on the home when creating your time line.

Learn about your mortgage financing options: There are many different options when retaining a mortgage. Look carefully at all of your choices and find the one that is best for you.Find a neighborhood before the home: A great home in an undesirable neighborhood is not very good for your quality of life or the home value. Learn as much as you can about the neighborhood and make sure your the area meets your needs. Centerline Homes has many neighborhoods in the most desirable areas throughout Florida

Keep a camera handy and take plenty of pictures: When looking for a new home and looking at several properties it can be hard to remember your likes and dislikes for each property. Having a digital camera when looking at properties will be helpful when you get home to review what you have seen. 

Be prepared to preview new home listings fast: A property gets the most attention when it is first listed. Be prepared to visit these new home listings when they are first listed before they are gone.

Go back and revisit your top choices a second time: Buying a home is one of the biggest purchase decisions you will ever make. After you narrowed it down go back a second time to look at the home(s) you're most interested in. Drive around the neighborhood and make sure that the area offers what you need.

Minimize or eliminate contingencies: When making an offer on a new home try to minimize any contingencies when placing an offer on the property. Home sellers are more likely to take an offer that does not contain a lot of contingencies.

Know when to walk away (or run): Use reason rather than emotion otherwise you may end up paying too much money and may have buyer's remorse. Often times there may be more than one interested buyer in a new home and you start a bidding war on the home.

Choose a local Realtor that is easily accessible: If you decide to use a buyer's agent be sure they are easily accessible and willing to take your calls, emails, and even social media touch points.

www.centerlinehomes.com

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Jan 21

Top Ten -- Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

General Information , Home Maintenance and Improvement , Top Ten Tips No Comments »

TOP TEN HOME ENERGY SAVING TIPS

 

1. Control the Thermostat

You can save on your heating bill by keeping your thermostat at an energy efficient and comfortable setting during the day and turning the heat down at night and when you’re not home. Try 68 degrees F or less during the day and 60 degrees F when you’re away or sleeping. You'll save approximately 1% for every degree of night setback. When you’re chilly, put on a sweater rather than click on the heat. Night set-back is also worth while with boilers (hot water heat). However, because of slower recovery times you may not be able to set your thermostat back as much as with a forced air furnace.

2. Lower Your Water Temperature.

Your hot water is probably hotter than necessary. Most heaters are set at 140 degrees F, and this high a setting is only needed if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater. Turn the temperature down to 120 degrees F (medium setting on a gas heater dial), and you’ll cut your water–heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Most electric heaters have both an upper and a lower thermostat to adjust. Be sure to first turn the electricity off at the circuit breaker.

3. Insulate Your Water Heater.

To keep your coffee hot, you put it in a thermos or an insulated cup. That same common–sense approach works for your water heater, too. Wrapping the tank in a blanket of fiberglass insulation will reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 percent. This means a savings of 4 to 9 percent on your water–heating bill. Water heater jacket kits are available for $10 to $20 at your local hardware store or through your utility. Be sure to follow the installation directions. It’s especially important not to block exhaust vents and air intakes on gas models, and thermostat access panels on electric heaters with insulation. Insulation wraps and jackets are appropriate for older water heaters and those located in unheated areas. The manufacturer may not recommend an insulation wrap for newer water heaters.

4. Replace Your Showerhead.

A standard showerhead sprays you with up to 8 gallons per minute of hot, steaming water. Replacing it with a quality low–flow showerhead will allow you to use only 1 to 2 gallons of water—and you’ll hardly notice a difference—except on your utility bill! Low–flow showerheads cost between $10 and $20 and pay for themselves in about four months by reducing water consumption and energy used to heat the water.

5. Discover the Cold Water Wash.

Water heating accounts for 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines. Washing in hot water costs 20 to 40 cents per load. That adds up, and it’s not necessary, except for special loads such as diapers or stained work clothes. Try washing in cold water using cold water detergents, and wash full loads whenever possible. And on sunny days, use the clothesline instead of the dryer.

6. Plug those Leaks!

On a cold, windy day, do you feel the breezes blowing through your house—especially near trouble spots such as wall outlets, windows, doors and fireplaces? As the cold comes in, your heat (and your money) flies away. You can stop this heat loss quickly and easily with low–cost materials. On windows, use clear weather strip tape along the gap where the glass meets the frame and to seal any cracks. On double-hung windows, tape over the pulley hole and use rope caulk between the upper and lower windows. To stop leakage under exterior doors, roll up towels to block the breeze or buy an inexpensive door sweep. If the door leaks around the entire frame, install foam weather stripping with adhesive backing between the door and the frame. If you don’t use your fireplace much and it doesn’t have a door, make sure the damper is closed and the opening is sealed. Cardboard and tape are low–cost and effective materials to do the job. Another low–cost option is to plug the chimney with a plastic bag full of crumpled newspaper or insulation. Be sure to post a highly visible reminder to remove the bag before building a fire. Use caulk to seal along the basement sill plate and around door and window frames. Also seal little holes around water pipes and stuff insulation into big holes around plumbing fixtures. Heat leaks out of light switches and electrical outlets, too. Inexpensive foam gaskets that fit behind the cover plates easily solve this problem. Remember, every hole you plug means fewer drafts, a cozier home and lower heating bills.

7. Install Storm Windows.

Once you have sealed air leaks around your windows, you can double their insulating value by installing storm windows. Adding another layer of glass or plastic creates a dead air space, and trapped air is an excellent insulator. Plastic film window kits are the lowest–cost option and can be easily installed on the inside or outside of your existing windows. Be sure the air space is at least1/2 inch and not more than 4 inches.

8. Regularly Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter.

All forced air furnaces have filters that keep dust and dirt from blowing into your house. If not periodically cleaned or replaced, dirty filters can greatly affect the heating ability of the furnace and waste valuable fuel. Some filters are disposable; some can be washed and reused. Do not reuse disposable filters. New ones can often be purchased for less than a dollar. Each month of the heating season, clean or replace your furnace filter(s).

9. Watch Your Refrigerator.

Refrigerators cost $5 to $8 per month to operate and consume 3 to 5 percent of your home’s total energy use. To keep out warm room air, keep the door closed as much as possible. It also helps to regularly clean dust out of the coils and to minimize freezer ice build–up. Keep the refrigerator at 36 to 38 degrees F and the freezer at 0 to 5 degrees F. If you have more than one refrigerator or freezer and one doesn’t get much use, unplug it and save.

10. Devise an Energy Action Plan!

The most important energy saving step of all takes place inside your head. Once you make the decision to "do it," you’ll discover that reducing your home energy consumption is easy and the rewards, great.

For more information on New Homes in your area, visit a Centerline Homes New Home Center.

 

 

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Jan 20

The Best Spring Flowers to Plant in Your New Garden!

General Information , Top Ten Tips No Comments »

The Best Spring Flowers to Plant in Your New Garden!


1. Daffodil 
This flower has a great hardiness and can be grown indoors or outdoors. They have beautiful color which will help in bringing your yard to life in early Spring.

2. Snowdrop 
Hearty flower that can even bloom before spring

3. Dutch Crocus 
These flowers need very little care and can maintain in a cold climate. If it is still cold, you want to plant in a location where it can receive a good amount of sunlight

4. Winter Crocus 
A gem of a flower, it is capable of withstanding the fluctuating temps of early Spring.

5. Spring Snowflake 
Pretty flower that naturalizes easily in early spring.

6. Tulips
Tulips are spring-blooming perennials that grow from bulbs. Depending on the species, tulip plants can grow as short as 4 inches (10 cm) or as high as 28 inches (71 cm).

7. Scilla
Scilla Bulbs are great for borders and fast at naturalizing if left undisturbed. Scilla flower bulbs are perfect for manicured and natural gardens plus many are fragrant.

8. Lenten Rose
Lenten rose is perfect for shady patios or courtyard gardens. It is especially suited for small spaces where its subtle beauty can be noticed and appreciated.

9. Vinca
Vinca or Periwinkle is a prolific heat and drought tolerant annual, perfect for hot, dry areas. It's easy to grow, and requires little or no attention.

10. Gladiolus
Try to pick a spot with as near full sunlight as possible-performance will vary indirectly with the amount of shade. Poor performance can be expected with 50% shade. Select a location that provides good drainage.


Visit Centerline Homes website for more information on how to find the New Home that will match your spring garden!

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