It’s time to check around the house to make sure things are operating efficiently.  Sometimes we tend to overlook important tasks, so here’s a list to add to your home cleaning.

1.  CHECK YOUR AC – Have your air-conditioning system tuned up to lower your energy bills and ensure the system is running at its efficiency.  I recommend Henry from Command Air 631-928-5455.

2.  CHECK YOUR WATER HEATER – If your water heater is more than 5 years old, check it for signs of leakage or rusting at the bottom.

3.  FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN – Apply a fertilizer once in the spring and again in the fall.  I recommend Kito Nursery, 631-838-9812 for all your gardening needs.

4.  CHECK YOUR REFRIGERATOR – Clean the refrigerator’s condenser coil with a long-handled bottle brush and a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove dust and lint that could shut down the unit by causing it to over-heat.  I recommend Ed Sullivan, 631-744-3995 for all your appliance repair needs.

5.  CLEAN GUTTERS – Clean the gutters so the rainwater flows easily off the roof.  Clearing leaves prevents water from pooling in areas and attracting mosquitoes.

6.  ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSETS – Wash or dry-clean clothes before storing them in a zippered sweater or blanket bag or in a plastic bin.

7.  CLEAN CARPETS – Vacuum carpets and shampoo with a spray foam or powder, or rent a steamer from the hardware store for a deeper clean.

8.  WASH EXTERIOR WINDOWS – Pick a cloudy day to wash exterior windows.  Too much sun dries the cleaning solution too quickly and creates streaks.  I recommend Fabian, 516-516-790-2091, for window washing and power washing needs.  He’s the very best!

9.  FILE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS – Store warranties, operating manuals and other documents in hanging files, folders or binders for easy access.

10.  CHECK BATTERIES – The average home is filled with battery-operated devices, from flashlights to smoke detectors to cordless phones.  Don’t forget to test those devices and replace the batteries with fresh ones.

Test smoke alarms once per month and change the batteries at least twice per year.  Ensure there is at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, particularly in or near sleeping areas.

Mention Jolie Powell to the service businesses I recommended above, you will be very pleased with their service!

Need advice on selling?  Never hesitate to contact me.  I have intimate knowledge of our marketplace….since 1987!