“2020 has been a tough year for everyone. We’ve all experienced some level and type of loss during the past 9 months. Here’s an article on how to cope with those feelings of loss.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Tag Archives: Home Repairs
9 Mood-Lifting Ideas for a Cozier Home This Winter
“Winter is here, the days are shorter and we all spend more time indoors. Don’t let the season get you down. There a several things you can do to help you make it through the Winter doldrums.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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9 Mood-Lifting Ideas For a Cozier Home This Winter
Try cleaning your light fixtures. Amazing how much brighter things look. Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Ideas for Turning a Room into an At-Home Office
“Now more than ever people are looking for ways to create a new office space in their home. Here are just a few ideas to check out.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published by American Home Shield
The COVID-19 pandemic turned many professionals into remote workers. Use these tips to create a functional home office.
The COVID-19 pandemic turned a lot of professionals into remote workers, and it looks like many of us are going to stay that way for a while. Some companies are discovering that a remote workforce is more productive and cost effective, and lots of employees are discovering that working from home isn’t so bad.
If your work from home situation is starting to look like it might be more permanent than it initially seemed, then it’s time to stop working at the kitchen table. You need a home office. Ideally, you have a spare room you can dedicate to your work, but if not, an attic, basement or even a large closet can be converted into a perfectly suitable home office. Here are some tips to turn whatever room you have available into a home office.
Use as Much, or as Little, Space as You Have
A spare bedroom is the best location for a home office — it’s out of the way, has a door you can close, should have several outlets and probably has windows for natural light. It might even have a ceiling fan and a closet for extra storage. If you’re using your spare bedroom as a guest bedroom, you don’t have to sacrifice that — your spare room can be a home office most of the time and a guest bedroom as needed. If the room is small, install a Murphy bed and use a floating console desk, rather than a clunky piece of furniture.
An attic or basement can also work, particularly if you need a larger space for more than one person to work from home. But you don’t need a whole spare bedroom or a spacious attic to create a private, dedicated home office space. Many large closets can accommodate slim-profile desks or floating desks, with floating shelves above for storage. When you’re done with work for the day, simply shut the door.
Don’t Sacrifice Ergonomics
One of the most common tips for working from home is that you shouldn’t ignore ergonomics. When choosing a space for a home office, make sure you have room for a properly sized desk (at least 29 inches tall), and a comfortable, adjustable-height office chair, preferably one with casters, adjustable armrests and an adjustable seat pan tilt. If you splurge on one item in your home office, it should be the chair — you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it, after all. A chair without the proper support could cause pain and repetitive stress injuries.
Of course, sitting all the time isn’t good for you, either. A standing desk is a good option, and they’re available at a range of price points. A desk that easily converts from sitting to standing offers the best of both worlds.
Consider Who Will Be Using the Space — And How
Are you the only person who will be working from home, or do you have a spouse who also needs a home office? You might choose a desk large enough to accommodate two people, although you’ll need a room with double the space — like an attic or finished basement, or even a garage.
Consider how much time you’ll be spending in your home office, too. Do you work long hours? If so, you’ll want a larger desk and a more comfortable chair, then.
Shed Some Light on the Situation
Indirect light is important in any office setting. Natural light is best, if you have a space that offers it, but you should use curtains or blinds to diffuse it and arrange your desk so that natural light sources don’t cause a glare on your screen. Install an overhead light fixture or add lamps that aren’t directly in your line of sight or right behind you to provide any additional light you might need.
Adjust Your Internet Speed
If you’re going to be working from home, you need to make sure that your internet is fast and reliable. Obviously, there will most likely be an additional cost to increase your internet speed. If that’s the case, it’s worth checking with your employer to see if they will cover the difference or the entirety of the charge. And while you might think your current bandwidth can do the job, remember that if you have multiple people working from home and children doing schoolwork, your normal internet speed probably won’t hold up.
Install More Outlets
No matter what space you choose for your new home office, you’re probably going to need more electrical outlets. You might also need a hardwired Ethernet connection and other data cabling for your equipment. Take the time now to install the outlets and data cabling infrastructure your new home office needs, so your work hours can pass smoothly and with minimal interruptions.
10 Things You Gotta Do Before Winter Sets In
“The weather’s getting colder and the leaves are changing so it must be time to prepare for your home for Winter. Check out this list of ‘To Do’s’ that you don’t want to forget.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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A Fall Checklist of 10 Things You Gotta Do Before Winter Sets In
Such as look for roof leaks before the first winter snow. Preventative maintenance is key. Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
9 No-Sweat Hacks to Deep Clean the Cruddiest Things
“Ever wondered how to get different things clean, that just seemed too hard, or too dirty? Well, here are some answers!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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9 No-Sweat Hacks to Deep Clean the Cruddiest Things
Like using a drill on your tub (why didn’t we think of it sooner?!) Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Most Common Appliance Breakdown: A Look at the Numbers
“We always recommend a Home Warranty to our clients, and here are just some of the reasons why.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published by American Home Shield
According to Consumer Reports, here are some of the most common appliance problems and repairs with data to support the results.
As a homeowner, you depend on your appliances to run smoothly so you can get through life with minimal disruptions. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and that goes double for appliances. Refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and other appliances have limited lifespans, and when they break down, you need to get them fixed right away.
A home warranty can help you cover the costs of unexpected appliance breakdowns. When you choose a home warranty from American Home Shield®, your covered home systems and appliances are taken care of, no matter how old they are. Duplicate appliances — like that second refrigerator in your garage — are covered too.
Any appliance can break down, but some do so more often than others. The Survey Research team at Consumer Reports has collected breakdown data on more than 381,000 appliances purchased between 2008 and 2018. Here are some of the most common appliance breakdowns reported by consumers.
Ranges
According to Consumer Reports, 6 percent of homeowners report problems with gas burners or cooktop elements not lighting or heating up, and the same number report problems with the oven not heating up. On gas ranges, it’s usually the ignition system that breaks. Problems with gas burners are also common.
On both electric and gas ranges, the oven temperature sensor (which collects temperature information to help regulate the oven’s temperature) or the oven bake element (which heats the oven) is most likely to break. Often, the ignition system for gas burners gets clogged with food debris and can be cleaned out with soap and warm water.
Refrigerators
If you have a refrigerator with an ice or water dispenser, you probably enjoy getting fresh, cold water and ice on demand — but you’re probably not so excited to learn that your water and ice maker is the most likely part of your refrigerator to break, with 17 percent of Consumer Reports members complaining about a dispenser that stops working. 13 percent complain of an ice maker that no longer makes ice. 7 percent report a buildup of ice in the refrigerator, while 6 percent report water leakage, and 5 percent say the refrigerator isn’t cooling. The ice maker, evaporator fan motor and thermostat are common culprits of breakdowns.
Dishwashers
Have you ever opened up your dishwasher after a cycle and realized that your dishes still aren’t clean? 11 percent of those surveyed noted that their dishwasher has stopped cleaning dishes properly, while 9 percent said that it is no longer drying properly, and 7 percent said that it’s no longer draining properly. As with range burner problems, some dishwasher problems can be fixed at home by cleaning out the filter or sprayer arms.
However, if you do need a new part for your dishwasher, it’ll most likely be the inlet valve, which lets water flow into your dishwasher; the wash arm, which sprays the dish racks with water; the drain pump, which empties your dishwasher of dirty water; or the circulation pump, which is responsible for spraying water forcefully out of the wash arm to clean your dishes.
Washers and Dryers
Front-loading washing machines are popular these days, but 14 percent of customers surveyed about their washing machines complained of mold around the front-loading door. You can clean your front-loading washing machine by running a hot cycle with baking soda and vinegar and drying out the inside of the drum, as well as the door and door seals, with a clean, dry cloth afterward. Prevent the recurrence of mold by drying your door seals after each load, and repeat the vinegar wash monthly.
Moldy doors aren’t the only problem washing machine owners reported. Among owners of both top-loading and front-loading models, 6 percent complained that the drum had stopped spinning correctly or at all. 5 percent reported that the washing machine no longer drained properly — if this happens to you, you may be able to drain it yourself after unclogging the drain hose. 4 percent of those surveyed reported a faulty control panel and 3 percent reported water leaking from the machine.
Things that might break on your washing machine include the door or lid switch, which keeps the drum from spinning when the door is open. The drain pump and tub bearings are also common causes of washing machine breakdowns. The most expensive problem to fix, however, is a faulty control panel, Consumer Reports says.
10 percent of those surveyed complained of a dryer not drying their clothes completely. You may be able to fix this yourself by cleaning the lint trap or cleaning out your dryer vent. 7 percent reported faulty drum rollers, motors or belts. Things that tend to break on dryers include the thermal fuse, which keeps the dryer from overheating. A faulty heating element is also common, as is a faulty drum seal.
Built-In Microwaves
Microwaves make preparing meals a snap, but not when they break down. 5 percent of consumers surveyed reported a broken control panel, while 4 percent reported either excessive noise, an inability to heat up food sufficiently, or a broken door that wouldn’t lock or close. 2 percent complained about a turntable not turning or an exhaust fan not working.
You might be able to fix a broken microwave door yourself by checking YouTube videos relevant to your model. A stalled-out turntable may be the result of food debris stuck in the mechanism or underneath the rollers. You may be able to fix a broken microwave control panel yourself by taking it apart and checking the ribbon cable connection.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed by the Numbers — Stay Covered
Don’t let common appliance breakdowns leave you scrambling to cope. A home warranty from American Home Shield can help you keep your covered appliances in good working order without sacrificing your budget or your sanity.
10 Clever Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
“Next to Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide is the best multi-cleaning agent you should have in your house. Check out all the ways to use it.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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10 Clever Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
Non-toxic. Low-cost. Hydrogen peroxide is your cleaning arsenal’s secret weapon. Read
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Copyright 2019 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine
“It’s something that most of us don’t think about…keeping your Washing Machine clean. It doesn’t take a ton of effort and the steps you take will ensure you don’t have a mildew problem in the future.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published by American Home Shield
Taking the time to clean your washer and dryer can help make your machines more efficient and even prevent scary fires. See what you can do to keep this essential appliance mildew and danger free.
The inside of your washing machine has to be one of the cleanest spots in your home, right? All that soapy hot water swishing around and rinsed again and again. Probably a good place to keep leftovers (we kid, we kid). But wait? What’s the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew? One that’s dark, warm and moist. Uh-oh — that’s the washing machine.
Have you noticed that your washing machine smells? Do your clothes smell after being washed? It looks like it’s a good time to learn how to clean a washing machine.
Yep, It’s a Dirty Washing Machine
First things first: How did your washing machine get dirty? Well, today’s washing machines are made to conserve water. If you are used to dumping in a lot of detergent out of habit (or from thinking that your clothes will get cleaner with more soap), you’re likely using too much. With the reduced amount of water, the detergent may not be breaking down fully, leaving a coat of soap on the tub and possibly damaging your machine. Likewise, if you have a tendency to leave wet clothes in the washer, it’s a real possibility that you’ve welcomed some mold and mildew growth.
You should always follow the washer manufacturer’s instructions on the type and amount of detergent to use. Newer, high-efficiency washers use special detergent made for those machines. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to use washing machine cleaner tablets every month to help dissolve the soap residue, too. And since mold and mildew are always ready to take advantage of dark, warm, moist environments, you should be ready to move wet clothes from the washer and into the dryer as soon as the wash cycle is complete. Similarly, damp wash cloths, towels and dishtowels should always be hung up to dry before being placed in a clothes hamper. The same goes for wet clothes.
What You’ll Need to Get it Clean
Fortunately, getting that washing machine sparkling only requires these materials:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda (front-loader only)
- Bleach (top-loader only)
- Sponge
- Clean Cloth
How to Clean a Front-Loader
If you have a front-loader washing machine, cleaning is not very difficult.
1. Set the washer to the hottest, longest setting.
2. Add two cups of vinegar.
3. Add one-quarter cup of baking soda.
4. Start the wash cycle and let it run until it’s complete.
5. When complete, wipe down the inside and outside surfaces with a damp sponge.
6. Dry all the surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.
7. Repeat these steps monthly.
How to Clean a Top-Loader
Cleaning a top-loader washing machine is a little more involved than cleaning a front-loader.
1. Set the washer to the hottest, longest setting.
2. Add four cups of bleach.
3. Let the washer fill completely, then stop it and let it soak for a full hour.
4. Turn it back on after an hour, and let it complete the full wash cycle.
5. Now start it again, on the hottest, longest setting.
6. Add four cups of vinegar.
7. Let the washer fill completely, then stop it and let it soak for an hour.
8. At the end of an hour, take a sponge and dip it in the vinegar water from the tub.
9. Use the sponge to clean all the exposed surfaces, including the detergent or softener basket and the lip of the tub.
10. Now start it again, and let it run through the complete wash cycle.
11. When complete, dry the interior with a clean, dry cloth.
12. Repeat these steps monthly.
Patio Shade Ideas Under $300
“Most of us are looking for ways to extend our living space to outside. Creating an inexpensive shaded area is an easy way to to that.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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Patio Shade Ideas Under $300
Not all shady deals are bad. These patio shade projects are each under $300. Read
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Copyright 2019 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?
“This is a common question for us, and it’s not always a simple answer. Take a read and learn how to help make your last longer with just a little maintenance.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Buying a home with a mature AC unit? Learn how long most HVAC systems tend to last and how you can maintain it better.
Chronological age isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to determining how long your HVAC system should last. Your furnace should last longer than your air conditioner, but you can extend the life of your entire HVAC system with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
Your System’s Lifespan
The average lifespan of a furnace today is about 15 to 20 years. A heat pump should last about 16 years, and an AC unit should last 10 to 20 years.
Regular HVAC maintenance can help you identify potential problems before they become serious enough to shorten the life of your system. You can do some maintenance tasks, such as changing your HVAC filter, yourself. If you have pets, or if someone in your home has allergies, change it every month. Otherwise, change it every three to six months.
Other tasks, such as a yearly furnace and AC tune-up, are best left to the professionals. An HVAC contractor can clean the condenser and evaporator coils on your AC unit and examine it for signs of damage. If your AC needs repair, it’s best to figure that out before it fails completely. If you have a home warranty with American Home Shieldâ, you can relax knowing our contractor network can help with your AC maintenance.
Routine AC maintenance should take place early in the spring, so your unit will work properly from the very first day you turn it on and so you can avoid breakdowns during the summer, when you depend on your AC to keep you comfortable. The same goes for maintaining your furnace. Schedule an HVAC tune-up for your furnace before cold weather sets in, so you can avoid breakdowns that will leave you in the cold.
Upgrading to a New System
If your AC unit is more than 15 years old or if your furnace is more than 20 years old, it may be time to upgrade to a new system, especially if something breaks. When you figure in the cost of labor, some repairs, like replacing a condenser or evaporator coil in your air conditioner, can be just as costly or even more expensive than replacing the unit entirely.
Homeowners in some areas face the prospect of upgrading a legacy HVAC system to a more modern one. For example, you may have a coal or oil furnace that was installed 50 years ago and should have been replaced 20 years ago. Replacing this system will do more than save you from coping with an unexpected breakdown. It may also significantly lower your heating costs, especially for systems that rely on fuels that are now very expensive, like heating oil.
Likewise, you may want to replace your heat pump or evaporative cooler with a new AC unit, which will last about as long, perhaps even a little longer, than your old system. It will also function more efficiently, saving you money. The sooner you replace your legacy system, the sooner you can begin reaping the benefits of lower energy bills.
Factors that Affect Your AC System’s Life
There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of your system. These days, the climatic conditions most units must deal with have changed from 20 or 30 years ago. The weather is getting warmer, but that’s not the only issue. Off-gassing – the release of airborne particulates from common household products – often occurs with chemicals in newly constructed or newly renovated homes and cleaning supplies, all of which can affect your unit’s lifespan.
The chemicals used in the manufacture of building components today can cause the copper condenser coils inside of indoor AC units to corrode more quickly. Modern building methods also mean that houses aren’t as drafty as they once were, so there’s less air flow through your home. While that’s great news for your energy bill, it also means that chemicals from cleaning products and new building components can remain in your home longer. For these reasons, outdoor air conditioning units tend to last longer than indoor units.
Of course, another big factor that affects the life of your HVAC is how you use it. In many parts of the country, homeowners only use their air conditioning for a few months out of the year. An AC unit in Pennsylvania, for example, that only gets used for four or five months of the year will last longer than one in Arizona that gets used 24 hours a day all year long. That second air conditioner simply experiences more wear and tear in a shorter period of time because it’s used more.