Chores to Tackle to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

By Desert Star Staff

After months mainly spent indoors while harsh elements battered your home’s exterior, many homeowners throw open windows and embrace spring’s arrival.

Every home requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it’s living up to its aesthetic and functional best. This checklist can help create a comfortable home setting for enjoying the warmer months.

Check gutters. During the colder months, debris can accumulate in the gutters, which can be problematic when spring rains arrive. Clogged drains prevent water from flowing efficiently away from the roof and house. When they’re backed up, they can cause water damage in a short amount of time. Faulty guttering can also cause slow leaks that lead to wear you may not discover until significant repair work is needed. Properly functioning gutters are clear of debris, flow freely, and are securely attached to the home.

Inspect the roof. Your roof takes a real beating in all kinds of weather conditions. Making it a common practice to carefully inspect the roof with the change of seasons can help you identify potential problems while they’re still in the early stages, before a big storm hits and significant damage occurs. Some roof issues can be addressed with simple repairs you can do yourself, while others may require a professional. A roofing expert can help you determine whether any trouble areas can be patched or if a more complete restoration is in order. Replace the dryer vent. Upgrading your dryer vent is an opportunity to conserve energy and prevent flammable lint build-up in your dryers. One option for updating the exhaust system is a paintable version of InoVate’s Prime DryerWallVent. Engineered for both vent replacement and new construction, the vent includes features such as a gravity-assist damper, integrated magnets, and a drip edge to provide extra protection from the elements and pests. In addition, a large, clean opening and lightweight angled damper promote exceptional airflow efficiency.

Service air conditioning units. Your heating and cooling system work hard to keep your indoor climate comfortable when extreme temperatures make the outdoors unbearable. That’s why it’s crucial to have your systems serviced by a professional, and spring is a brilliant time to do so before they’re hard at work throughout the warmer months. Service can correct the voluntary agreements.

Overhouse said the whole process has dragged on far too long.

“One of the reasons why this has been held up is due to political reasons,” said Overhouse. “Water agencies have delayed the planning process significantly to negotiate the amount of water they would have to release.” problems and ensure everything is operating efficiently, which can also lead to money savings. Repair window screens. Throughout the winter, your home’s window screens can accumulate a layer of dirt and grime that isn’t just unsightly; it blows indoors when you open the windows to welcome a fresh breeze. Moreover, if your screens have rips and tears, pesky bugs and other critters can make their way into your home more efficiently. Cleaning and repairing your screens can make your home more secure and help protect your indoor air quality.

The water board is taking public comment on the report establishing the scientific basis for the voluntary agreements, now through February 8.

The Bay-Delta plan is supposed to be updated every three years, but the last major update occurred in 1995.

Disclosure: Defenders of Wildlife contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species & Wildlife, Energy Policy, and Public Lands/Wilderness.

Find more information to help get your home ready for spring at DryerWallVent.com.

Source: InOvate Family Features

By Desert Star Staff

Valentine’s Day may traditionally be a lovers’ holiday. Still, it’s also an opportunity to connect with those who make your heart happiest, whether it’s family, friends, or anyone who enriches your life. So, celebrate all types of love this Valentine’s Day with thoughtful gifts that show how much you care.

As the old ad says, the stomach is the fastest way to one’s heart. Sweet treats are a sure sign of your affection, and for centuries, chocolate has been revered as the flavor of love.

From gifting to hosting and all the other moments throughout the season of love, you can delight your nearest and dearest with gourmet chocolates from Ethel M Chocolates.

Treat those closest to your heart to a delicious experience and visit EthelM. com to explore more unique gifts this Valentine’s Day.

Handcrafted with Care

Topped with a red bow for a final touch, the Ethel M Chocolates 5-piece Love Collection features a series of heart-shaped, premium chocolates nestled in an elegant box. The sampler features popular selections, including Milk Chocolate, Lemon Satin

Crme, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter, and White Chocolate. This charming collection of handcrafted chocolate is a decadent way to show how much you care. It’s ideal as a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for friends and family or for a more romantic connection; it’s the perfect item to pair with jewelry or flowers to surprise your loved one.

Heartfelt Appreciation

If your gift list includes chocolate aficionados, there’s no better way to speak straight to their heart than the Ethel M Chocolates 28-piece Large

Heart Gift Box. This popular seasonal assortment showcases an expanded selection of mouthwatering, handcrafted, premium chocolates. The collection includes an array of flavors, from Dark Chocolate

Sea-Salt Caramel and Milk

Chocolate Raspberry Satin

Creme to Milk Chocolate

Almond Butter Krisp and Milk

Chocolate Pecan Toffee Crisp.

The gourmet variety is sure to delight, and the large satinwrapped, heart-shaped box makes your affection deliciously clear. #16536 Source: Ethel M Chocolates Family Features