Eight New Year’s resolutions for your home

Do you plan to make some New Year’s resolutions this year? If you’re like most people, you’ll pledge to get more exercise, save money, eat healthier or lose weight. (Those are the top four resolutions made nationwide each January, according to a new survey.) But what about your home – the place where you spend most of your time? We have some suggestions that can save you money and help make your home a safer place for you and your family.

Let’s start with the saving money part first!

Find out if you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. Today’s mortgage rates are near historic lows. Some homeowners today stand to save a significant amount of money and/or accomplish other important financial goals by refinancing their mortgages. Give us a call to see if refinancing could benefit you. You can reach us at: (786) 488-5363

Set up automatic mortgage payments. Still writing out a check for your mortgage payment each month? Considering setting it up so that your mortgage payment is automatically drafted from a checking or savings account. That way, you don’t have to worry that your payment is being made on time. Late payments can push your overall credit score lower, especially mortgage payments. On-time payments over time can help increase your credit score, which in turn can help you qualify for lower rates on a variety of types of consumer loans.

Install a programmable thermostat. If you have an older thermostat, installing a new one could save you money and make you more comfortable. Many newer models have even more features than those manufactured just five years ago and can help you save energy.

Moving on to safety:

Get your chimney inspected and cleaned. Over time, fireplace and wood stove chimneys can become clogged with residue and catch fire. Annual inspections and cleanings can help prevent fires and help extend the life of your fireplace or wood stove.

Make your home less inviting to thieves. Don’t want to invest a lot of money in a fancy home security system? The good news is that there are a number of easy and inexpensive steps that homeowners can take to deter thieves. Motion-sensing exterior lights and indoor timers, for example, are fairly inexpensive investments that can help prevent a break-in.

Replace the batteries and inspect the smoke alarms. The batteries in battery-powered smoke detectors should be changed at least once a year. The units themselves should be replaced every 10 years. You’ll want to test units monthly. If you aren’t sure how old the smoke detectors are in your new home, replace them.

Check or install carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It’s an invisible, odorless gas. Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it’s there. Make sure your new home has CO detectors on each floor and make sure that they are replaced every five years. (Check each alarm’s manufacture date so you know when it’s time for replacement.) You don’t need carbon monoxide detectors only during the winter months — carbon monoxide is a year-round threat. Install a CO alarm outside each sleeping area, inside every bedroom, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Choose an alarm that is tested and listed by a Nationally Accredited Lab such as ETL or UL.

Check for radon. High radon levels occur in homes in every state and in every type and age of home. About one in 15 houses have it. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels.