spRiNg is HERE

tips to Keep your Home Safe and Comfortable

When spring finally arrives, we are always eager to make plans that don’t require snow boots, mittens and shovels. It’s easy to get caught up in “cabin fever recovery” and forget our homes need some maintenance when the seasons change.

Kevin Wolf, president of Laney’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Fargo, recommends a few helpful tips for homeowners, including what you can do yourself and when to call a professional:

Make sure you know where the main shut off valves and switches are for the plumbing, electrical and gas systems. “When there are problems, it’s the first thing people say, ‘there’s a leak and water is running everywhere.’ If they knew where the valves were and how to turn them off, it would save a lot of damage and stress,” Wolf said.

Check the filters on your heating/cooling unit once a month and change or clean them according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. “A clean filter allows your furnace to breathe and operate more efficiently,” Wolf explained. “It also improves the indoor air quality, which is especially important for allergy sufferers.”

Have your heating / cooling unit serviced annually. They will run more efficiently, which will save money and reduce the need for repairs – and eliminate any safety concerns.

Have your air duct system checked for cleanliness and have it cleaned as needed. “Your air duct system is the source of air moving throughout your home. Clean air ducts allow the air to flow without indoor contaminants, which is very beneficial for people with allergies,” Wolf said.

Install a programmable thermostat that will allow you to set back the temperature in your home while you are away or asleep. According to the national Energy Star program, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs, through proper use of pre-programmed settings.

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. Or if it’s a plug-in style, check the manufacturer’s guidelines as to when it needs to be replaced.

Have your sump pump system checked annually to make sure it’s operating properly. Hook up your outside sump pump hose and make sure it’s long enough to drain the water away from your house. If you have a sewer backflow valve, have it checked to make sure it’s operating properly.

“Laney’s Plumbing Stay Dry Program is an inspection of the sump pump and drainage systems in your home. We check your sump pump, both inside and out, proper flow of fixture drains, floor drains, and main sewer. We also check any backflow prevention valves, ensuring they work properly,” Wolf said.

Do not put materials such as hair, grease, lint, garbage, heavy tissue, disposable diapers or sanitary products into the sewer system, because they may clog the sewer line. “We get a lot of calls about sewer lines that are clogged with these items, and it’s an easy problem to avoid by following these guidelines,” Wolf said. “We use a sewer camera on each and every call to visually inspect the sewer line out to 200 feet. We can better inform the home owner if there are tree roots that will grow back, or whatever the problems might be.”

I nstall the appropriate humidification, dehumidification, or ventilation equipment to control the proper level of moisture in your home. This can help prevent problems like damp basements, condensation on windows, dried out wood, or static in the air. “It’s a common comfort issue,” Wolf said.“Too much or too little moisture in the air of their home.”

There are some things that must be done by a professional, and any electrical work falls in that category. If you have fuses blowing or breakers tripping, Wolf recommends having someone come out and check the safety of your electric panel. The same thing is true if you have an older home with exposed wiring. Home owners need to be aware of the condition of their electrical system.

Laney’s can be reached 24 hours a day at 701-237-0543 or at www. laneysinc.com. They are located at 55 South 27th St. in Fargo.