Home Maintenance Calander - ET Wealth

TIGHTEN UP The Economic Times Wealth, November 12-18, 2012

STOW AWAY SUMMER COOLERS

REPLACE BATTERIES

DECLUTTER

Drain water coolers and service ACs. Protect these with weatherproof covers.

Check the working condition of all batteries, from the one in your car to the one attached to your inverter. If you use burglar alarms and smoke detectors, you should replace their batteries once a year. In case you live in a cold area and use a wood/coal/gas heater, ensure there’s proper ventilation or invest in a carbon monoxide detector.

Get rid of the old to make space for new. Clean the store and garage, and if you haven’t used something over the past three years, get rid of it. Go through kitchen and bathroom shelves and throw away outdated food and medicines.

TEST ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS Get an electrician to check all plug points, power back-up equipment and circuits. The heavy load of geysers and heaters in winters shouldn’t lead to short-circuit problems or power outage.

Begin the new year by checking all screws, hinges, furniture and electrical faceplates. Tighten up, varnish or replace where necessary. Get a plumber to fix any leaking tap or flush to avoid water wastage.

Learn & Keep

RECAULK AND REGROUT Examine the caulking around sinks and the putty around window panes. Check for any loose tiles, especially kitchen and bathrooms, and regrout if needed. This will prevent moisture from seeping in or mold from forming.

CHECK WATER PIPES Ensure that the flow and pressure of water is smooth. If it isn’t, replace the pipes or you will have problems when water shortage starts in summer. Clean the water tank and let it dry for a day to avoid the formation of mold and mildew.

SERVICE AIR CONDITIONER

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Text: NAMRATA DADWAL

Check that all doors and windows close properly and put rubber strips under doors so that cool air doesn’t escape an air-conditioned room. It will also ensure that no insects or vermin get into the house.

FLUSH GEYSERS

Graphics: CHANDER

Drain and flush out any sediment that may have built up due to the minerals in water. This will extend the life of the unit and prevent future problems.

PAINT OR WASH Don’t wait for the festive season to start since the few contractors who may be available will charge a high premium. Get cracking in September and also repair any damage due to seepage. If you want to cut cost, use a hose to wash the exterior rather than paint it.

EXAMINE WINDOW AND DOOR SEALS

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Regularly overhauling your home and making minor repairs when needed can extend the life of your house. Here’s how.

Get the AC, especially the filter, cleaned. In fact, during summers, you should wash the filter at least once a month as this will lessen the workload of your AC and result in a lower electricity bill. Of course, it will also improve the air quality in the house.

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CLEAN APPLIANCES Dirty stove hobs will result in more usage of LPG, so tackle these first. Among other appliances, such as the toaster and microwave oven, remember to clean the refrigerator coils too. Filthy ones hamper the efficient working of a fridge leading to more power usage. Replace or wash thoroughly the filters of the water purifier and washing machine. Clean the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen with warm, soapy water to get rid of accumulated grease.

EXTERMINATE PESTS

ORGANISE PAPERWORK You’ve probably procrastinated filing your tax return till this month. Use this opportunity to organise all your documents. Make photocopies of important ones and keep the originals in a fireproof safe or locker.

OVERHAUL FURNISHINGS Most stores have sales during this month, so it’s a good time to buy new furnishings and furniture if you want to replace anything.

LUBRICATE AND VARNISH Lubricate all locks and hinges so that they don’t rust once the monsoons start. You may also paint and varnish doors and window frames to avoid damage due to excessive moisture.

UNCLOG GUTTERS AND DRAINS Make sure that these are clear of any debris so that water doesn’t get accumulated during the monsoon season.

Wash the screens of doors and windows with hot, soapy water and check for tears. Replace if you want to ensure mosquitoes don’t begin swarming the house. Get an exterminator to spray insecticide to get rid of cockroaches and termites.