Being a homeowner in the Desert carries a great deal of responsibility, especially if you've never really had to think about it before ... Below are a few things to add to a to-do or honey-do list:
Proper Detectors
Most people know the importance of installing smoke detectors in their homes, but they also need to have carbon monoxide detectors. Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, you may not know it is in the air until it’s too late. You should have one detector installed on each floor of your home.
Check Windows
Check your windows every year for any leaks that could cause your home cooling and heating system to work less efficiently. If outside air can get in, it will make your system work harder and cost you more in utility bills.
Weatherproof any windows or doorways that do not seal tightly.
Change Filters
Make sure you check your furnace and air conditioning filters on a regular basis and change them when they get dirty. The easiest way to take care of them is to buy replacement filters by the case and then store them near the furnace or AC unit. This makes it easy to change out the filters when needed. If you have pets, you will need to change them out even more often.
Know Your Electrical
Find your circuit breaker box and make sure everything is labeled; also verify that the labeling is correct. Look at all of the outlets that are by the kitchen or bathroom sinks to make sure that they have a GFI installed to prevent electrocution. If any of your lights flicker or if your circuits get tripped, you need to contact an electrician. The wiring could be bad or the breaker could be overloaded. These
electrical issues can become a fire hazard.
Know Your Shut-Off
Make sure you know where your water shuts off. You will have a main valve that shuts off the water to the whole house. In older homes, this may be the only one in the house. However, many newer homes have separate shut-off valves for the various appliances. For instance, each toilet may have its own valve behind the seat. The faucets may have separate valves under the
sink.
Maintain Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your home, you need to know how to use it and what to do to maintain it. If you try to use an inoperable fireplace, it can become a fire hazard. This is especially true of
wood-burning fireplaces.
Any time you are in doubt on what to do, call a professional before you start bringing out your tool kit.
