Instead of using regular incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs provide a longer-lasting option and use much less electricity. With typical household use, they can last seven years. Although they are more expensive than their traditional counterpart, their energy savings combined with long lifespan can make them a better value. Consider using them in places where it's difficult to change a bulb. For outdoor use, use a compact fluorescent made specifically for that capacity.
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Be careful when applying herbicides and pesticides near your home. Some can cause discoloration of the vinyl siding. Warping of your siding can occur when exposed to high heat. Common causes of excessive heat are BBQ grills and open flames, such as burning leaves. Distortion often occurs at temperatures of 160 degrees or above.
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Dirt is the enemy of any flooring, and carpet is no exception. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, dry soil, which is abrasive, can permanently damage carpet fibers, giving them a dull appearance over time. Vacuum soil and dirt before it gets ground into the carpet. The institute advises vacuuming high-traffic areas a minimum of twice a week.
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Ceramic tile is known for its durability, but it does require care and maintenance. Keep ceramic tile free of dirt and particulate matter, as it can scratch the floor. Vacuum glazed and unglazed tile floor regularly.
For glazed floors, clean with an all-purpose, non-oil based cleaner. Unglazed tiles should be cleaned with soapless detergent.
Use bleach cleaners only for deep cleaning. Never use ammonia-based products because they can stain grout. Grout should be sealed twice a year to prevent stains.
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One of Lancia's concrete suppliers, Erie Haven, offers some tips on caring for exterior concrete:
During the first year, Erie Haven advises against using any de-icing chemicals. The only safe materials are plain sand, kitty litter or birdseed.
Regardless of the concrete's age, de-icers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate should never be used.
Concrete sealant should be applied at least 30 days after the concrete has cured, when the surface is dry and when the temperature is about 70 degrees. Resealing should be done every two to three years depending on wear.
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Laminate floors give you the look of wood without the care and upkeep. Laminate floors can be swept or vacuumed with hardwood attachments. Laminate flooring manufacturers advise against using soaps and detergents to clean the floor. Some manufacturers have products specifically designed to clean laminate floors. Never wax, polish, sand or try to refinish laminate floors.
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Your sliding glass door will require some occasional lubrication to keep it sliding freely. Lubricate the wheels with silicone spray, making sure to avoid getting the slippery spray on the floors. Also check to be sure that drainage holes in the tracks are kept clear. They can be cleared by using a nail or ice pick.
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Vinyl flooring, also known as resilient flooring, can offer years of beauty and service if maintained properly. Keep vinyl floors free of dirt, sand and other gritty material to avoid scratches. Consider using curtains to block direct sunlight on your vinyl floor to prevent discoloration. If you have to move appliances or other heavy objects, use wood "runways" to move the item. Don't drag it across the bare floor. It could rip the flooring. Don't use a beater bar when vacuuming vinyl floors. If you have high-gloss floors, you will need to use the recommended polish to restore the gloss.
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Keep wood floors free from dirt and other gritty materials by frequent sweeping. For regular cleaning, use products specifically designed for wood floors, but avoid leaving standing water when you clean.
Avoid moving heavy furniture across the floor. Pick them up or slide rags underneath and move. If your wood floor has been finished with polyurethane, contact a professional when the floor looses its luster and gloss. Never wax a wood floor finished with polyurethane.
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Are you getting funny-tasting ice cubes from your ice maker? Your ice cube bin may have absorbed freezer odors over time. It may need to be replaced to fully solve the problem. You will also want to empty and wash the bin every two to three months. If your ice cubes are too small, you may need to replace the water filter. Consult your refrigerator''s owner manual on how to change the filter.
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The first 90 days are critical for your new lawn, which is seeded with a combination of bluegrass, ryegrass and fine fescue. Water your new lawn in the morning for the first 60 days, with the sprinkler covering each area for 15 minutes. Fertilize four weeks after installation and repeat frequently in the first year.
Allow the grass to grow to 4" before the first mowing. Don't mow shorter than 3" to avoid stressing young plants. Avoid using weed killer the first year and don't rake the straw from the lawn. It will decompose and add organic material to the soil.
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Although it can be tempting to hide extension cords under throw rugs or carpet, it is unsafe. The cord can overheat and cause a fire. Cords should not be run underneath furniture either. Also, don't staple or nail cords to the wall or floor.
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Indiana-based Bryant® Heating and Cooling Systems, Lancia's furnace and air-conditioner manufacturer, suggests checking your air filter every three to four weeks. A dirty filter makes the system work harder. Homes in their first heating season need to have their filters changed more frequently because of the residual construction dust. If you have a reusable filter, make sure it is dry before reinstalling it.
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Moen® advises against using foaming spray cleansers on acrylic faucets. It can make the material brittle and prone to breakage. For clogged showerheads, consider using vinegar to clean away the deposits. If you have hard water, you may need to use a stronger commercial product designed for heavy mineral deposits.
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Although vinyl siding doesn't require extensive maintenance, it does need cleaning to stay looking new. The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends using general household cleaners for non-specific cleaning. Do not use solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals.
Vinyl siding can be washed with a soft cloth or a long-handled soft-bristle brush. A power washer can also be used, however, only point the washer straight ahead. Aiming it upward can force water under the siding and cause moisture problems.
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Your Lancia home has been engineered to minimize air leaks. This makes it more energy efficient, but also more prone to high humidity levels during colder months. Condensation on windows not directly caused by bathing or cooking can indicate increased moisture levels, according to Crestline Windows®, one of Lancia's window manufacturers.
Dripping condensation can damage not only window frames but also insulation, exterior and interior surfaces and paint. Make sure you use ventilation systems built into your home, such as the range hood and bathroom ventilation fans. Also open curtains and drapes to allow warm air to circulate against the glass. You can also open windows and doors for short periods to minimize humidity.
If your home is in the first heating season, some residual moisture from the building materials is to be expected. Condensation may occur more frequently in the first several weeks.
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Cover liquids and cover or wrap foods in your refrigerator. Not only will it reduce refrigerator odors but it will also keep the humidity at the proper level. Ideal humidity levels reduce wear and tear on the compressor.
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The U.S. Department of Energy calculates that 14% of a typical household's energy bill is devoted to the water heater. Consider lowering the water heater's thermostat. It not only saves energy but prevents accidental scalding. Also refer to your water heater's manual on how to drain a small amount of water from the unit to remove sediment.
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The fresh food compartment of your refrigerator should be kept between 37 and 40 degrees. The freezer compartment should be 5 degrees. A separate freezer should be kept at zero.
To test the temperature of your refrigerator, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours. To test the freezer compartment, place the thermometer between frozen items. Read after 24 hours.
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Bushes and other landscaping should be kept at least 18 inches from the outdoor unit of your central air conditioning unit. This will give enough air to circulate around the unit and help avoid any heat build-up.
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