\nOwning a home involves work. You know there are home maintenance tasks to keep up on, but are you doing these tasks correctly or as often as you should?\n
If mowing isn\u2019t your favorite home maintenance task, you may be tempted to cut the grass short so you don\u2019t have to mow as often. However,\u00a0The Lawn Institute\u00a0reports, \u201cCutting your lawn too short creates an environment for both weed and disease infestation. It also causes the lawn to lose moisture much quicker.\u201d Instead, follow the one-third rule: \u201cSelect a mowing height appropriate for the turf grass species in your lawn. Then set your mower blade height so you cut off no more than the top third of the grass plant. This will encourage stronger roots.\u201d\n
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You may think you\u2019re saving on energy costs if you turn your air conditioner off when you leave the house in the morning, but this isn\u2019t the best way to save money. \u201cThe problem here is that when you come back home and turn your system back on, your AC unit will have to work overtime to cool your house back down, negating any energy savings you\u2019ve accrued,\u201d according to\u00a0National Property Inspectors. Instead, just adjust your thermostat 5 to 10 degrees warmer when you leave home. Check out these other summer hacks keep your home cool without AC\n If you think you only need to clean your gutters in the fall, think again. Gutters can get clogged with debris that prevents them from directing the flow of rainwater away from your home any time of year, resulting in damage to your home\u2019s interior and exterior.\n Adding insulation is a home maintenance task many homeowners will have to tackle at some point. However, more isn\u2019t always better. \u201cWhile you want enough insulation to prevent heat escaping into the attic, going overboard can actually cause problems,\u201d according to\u00a0National Property Inspectors.\u00a0\u201cFor instance, overloading your attic with insulation can cause the lower layers to compress, which diminishes its effectiveness. You can also end up blocking your eave or soffit ventilation, leading to heat or moisture buildup and mold problems.\u201d\n By pressing the test button on your home\u2019s smoke alarm, what you\u2019re really doing is testing whether the sound is functioning properly, according to\u00a0Security First Insurance.\u00a0Instead, to properly test your smoke alarm, place a newly burned-out match under the device. The smoke should cause the alarm to sound. Experts suggest you test your smoke alarm at least once in the spring and once in the fall.\n The bad news is, even if your carpet\u00a0feels\u00a0dry after having a water incident, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s completely dry. \u201cThat\u2019s because standing water can seep beyond the carpet and underlay, and into the subfloor,\u201d according to\u00a0People\u2019s Trust Insurance Company. \u201cMold can grow in wood and concrete subfloor environments, and letting it linger can lead to serious and expensive issues.\u201d Learn Easy DIY Home Hacks That Will Improve Your Life\n
\nGutters Only Need to be Cleaned in the Fall\n
\nMore Insulation is Better\n
\n\nThe Test Button is the Best Way to Check Your Smoke Alarm\n
\nIf Your Carpet Feels Dry, It\u2019s Safe\n
\nThe Bathroom Exhaust Fan is Maintenance-Free\n
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