The more time we spend indoors, the more susceptible we are to airborne household allergens such as dust and dust mite residue, human and pet dander (i.e. dead skin), mould spores, and chemical off-gases from cooking, candles, smoking, and synthetic materials that were recently introduced into the home.

To reduce the risk of respiratory discomforts triggered by these irritants, it’s important to control indoor air quality (IAQ) by utilizing HEPA-grade filters in whole-home air circulation systems, as well as in portable air purifiers and vacuum cleaners.

In addition, frequently wiping fixtures and furniture, plus cleaning carpets, throw rugs, mats, drapery, upholstery, cushions and dust covers will make a great contribution to improved IAQ.

If your home is becoming difficult to manage, you may want to consider how downsizing might help:

1. More Financial Freedom: Presuming your next home is smaller and more affordable, you’ll have greater ability to address other monetary interests, whether it’s enjoying travel options or establishing an education fund for grandchildren.

2. Less Housework and Maintenance: A smaller household means less upkeep, both inside and outside.

3. Improved Convenience: With a reduced footprint, there are fewer footsteps required to complete a normal range of day-to-day functions – especially if you move from a multi-level home to a bungalow or condo.

4. Increased Options: By carefully shopping for a home that will accommodate any future needs, you’ll have a unique opportunity to plan long- term arrangements for your senior years, potentially enabling you to remain in your own home for an extended period of time.

Thinking about downsizing? Give me a call; I will gladly help you through this process!

You’re probably going to be inundated with holiday sales this month. While those sales can be fantastic, they aren’t the only opportunities to save money. Here are some less-than-obvious ways to keep more money in your pocket.

• Review all of your subscriptions and online services that are set to auto-renew. Do you still want them? Online subscriptions can easily go unnoticed for months. Cancel those you don’t want.

• Have you received any notices of price increases? That’s common in December as companies hike rates for the new year. If you’re a long-term customer, give the company a call. You may be entitled to a loyalty discount, or at least be able to negotiate your rate.

• Do you have a loan or mortgage? Many lenders allow you to make lump-sum payments on the principal. This can save you a bundle on interest charges.

• Call your insurance company. Ask what riders you have on your policies that are not included in your basic premium. Find out if you still need all of them.

This time of year, it can be comforting to curl up beside a crackling fireplace or gather family and friends around the warmth of a wood stove. Take the necessary steps now to ensure that wood stoves and fireplaces are operating property and free of potential hazards.
 
Watch for the warning signs
Look for corrosion or rust on the outer shell of a metal chimney. Watch for bulges or corrosion of the liner as well. Loose bricks, crumbling mortar, dark stains and white powder all indicate problems with a masonry chimney. A certified heating contractor or mason should repair it immediately.
 
Check stove pipes and connections
Ensure that screws are located at every joint and that each connection is a tight, secure fit. Also, look for signs of dark staining or white powder (also referred to as leeching) at every joint. Rust is a clear sign that it is time to replace the stove pipe.
 
Check walls for excessive heat
If the wall above your fireplace or wood stove gets very hot, it could be a sign of improper chimney installation and a potential fire hazard.
 
Protect walls and floors from heat and sparks
Keep combustible objects away from your wood stove or fireplace and always use a properly fitted screen to cover the fireplace opening. Floors and walls should be protected with non-combustible shields.
 
When in doubt, call an expert!
The safest and most practical way to handle the annual maintenance of your chimney, woodstove and fireplace is to contact a WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified chimney sweep. It is a relatively small investment for peace of mind.
 
Stay warm and safe this winter!

Most people know the basics of preparing a home for a viewing or an open house. But, there are a number of lesser known tips — tips you often don’t hear about — that can make your home even more attractive and desirable to potential buyers.

In the kitchen, for example, it’s obvious that the stove, sink, and countertops should be spotless. But, did you know that grinding a lemon just before a viewing will help eliminate any lingering odours? You should also arrange the contents of your cabinets and refrigerator to all face forward.

In the bathrooms, make sure the toilet lids are closed. Hang matching towel sets. Moving onto the bedrooms, check that nothing is lying around. Even a shirt draped neatly over a chair can appear messy to some people. In the kids’ rooms, the toys should be “staged”, not just flung around.

If possible, move half the contents of all closets into storage. This makes a big difference in how spacious they’ll appear.

And here’s another uncommon tip. House plants look their best — brighter, more upright and alive — approximately four hours after you water them.

All these tips take just minutes to implement, but they can make a big difference in how your home shows. Studies prove that a well prepped home will often sell faster, and for a higher price, so it’s worth the effort.

Your household’s water system is a valuable asset that requires maintenance to perform well, and keep costs down.

First, check for dripping or running fixtures. Next, go to your water meter, which measures total usage including leaks. If it registers flow when no facilities are in use, you could be wasting water. To verify this, do a visual check on all supply pipes and connections. If the entire system is not accessible, listen carefully for hissing that indicates a leak or a running fixture.

Also check where fixtures connect with drain pipes (e.g. under sinks and around toilets) to ensure water isn’t seeping out. For toilets, place a coloured toilet bowl puck in the tank and wait 24 hours. If the water in the bowl becomes coloured, you have a leak.

You may also have additional units such as humidifiers, sprinklers, misters, fountains or pools that also need to be checked for leaks, calcium build-up or mould, on a seasonal basis.