DON'T GET BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL

Whether or not you live in a part of the country that's hard hit by winter's harsh weather, a schedule of regular home maintenance will help save you money, time and frustration when it comes to avoiding costly repairs and accidents. Here are just a few tips to get you going this season.

If you live in "Winter" Weather Zones:

• Clean your gutters well in the Fall. It's best if you do it at least two times to avoid any blockage in drain pipes (downspouts) or underground drains.
• Make sure all your outside faucets that are not frost-free are shut off and drained to avoid freezing and/or pipe breakage.
• Properly maintain your storm windows and doors. Be sure your storm windows and doors are functional so if in the event they need to be opened during the winter they work. Check the weather stripping around your doors (sweep at bottom of door) to avoid unnecessary heat loss. For optimum efficiency, weather stripping should be changed every 4-5 years.
• Be sure that your furnace is cleaned and properly maintained, including the flue stack and chimney before the onset of winter.
• Be sure to have an ample supply of traction sand and melting salt in accessible place along with proper dispensing tool.
• Power wash mold from all stone or concrete walkways to avoid unnecessary slippery conditions if wet.
• For those who have their driveway plowed, install proper markers along the curbs (on the lawn close the curb) to clearly identify the entire scope of the driveway to avoid or reduce possible curb and lawn damage.

Even if you live in more "Temperate" Weather Zones: Take some time to look around your home to see what needs attention. Some useful ideas for everyone are:

• Change Your Furnace Filters
• Schedule Your Furnace Inspection
• Change Your Air Conditioning Filters
• Clean Your Heating Vents
• Test Your Smoke Alarm
• Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

And remember, The American Homeowners Association (AHA)® can help you with almost any aspect of owning a home with up-to-date information provided by experts in the field.  So visit www.ahahome.com and take control of the runaway costs of homeownership. You'll find helpful advice on how to:

• Research Home Repair Projects
• Solve Repair and Maintenance issues
• Always get the results you want from a contractor or repair person; and,
• Answer Your Home Decorating questions.

All this and more is waiting for you at www.ahahome.com.

So go there now and remind yourself again of why you and so many others like you rave about the benefits, services and information of The American Homeowners Association (AHA)®.

Warm regards,

Richard Roll
Founder and President
American Homeowners Association (AHA)®

This American Homeowners Association (AHA)® e-letter is a service brought to you by The American Homeowners Association.