If I were your house, here’s what I’d want for Christmas:
November is here, and with it comes holiday shopping for loved ones. In this busy season, we often overlook important maintenance needs of our beloved abodes. This year, I wanted to share some things I’d want from you for Christmas (or any holiday you celebrate! Our family does Christmas) if I were your home:
A Clean Dryer Vent
As you prepare for holiday guests, wash seasonal clothing from storage, and sort table linens, there’s no doubt that your dryer will be getting a workout. Don’t neglect your vent! The National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are over 15,000 washer/ dryer fires per year!
Schedule your dryer vent cleaning with a local company, or if you’re savvy you can use this home cleanout kit. I personally have it and have used it. Just attach it to a drill and you’ll be SHOCKED at how much lint comes out!
Fire Protection Sensor
Are you sensing a theme?? I won’t lie, the thought of a house fire terrifies me. My mother lost her home in a fire as a child, so fire safety was always ingrained in me from a young age. For the past year, we’ve been using a Ting Fire Sensor in our home. This is not a Karen-from-Mean-Girls moment (“I have a 5th sense! I can tell when it’s already raining”). Ting doesn’t detect when your house is already on fire. That’s what smoke detectors are for. Instead, Ting monitors arcs and drops in the the electrical current running through your home. The sensor monitors your in-home wiring, plugged-in devices, and incoming power. Simply requires WiFi, a smartphone, and open outlet. You will need one per breaker panel.
This sensor is a no-brainer for the homes we have here in northern Atlanta, most of which have older wiring.
An Escape Plan
You need a fire ladder for each bedroom! This one is simple to use and small enough to store in a closet or under a bed. I highly recommend having a few practice runs with it.
Peace of Mind From Leaks
Don’t let a leaky sink or washing machine ruin your holiday season! Leak sensors send you a notification when they detect moisture. While these don’t actually do the job of shutting off the water, they will save you time and property damage by alerting you to any moisture in the areas the sensors are placed.
A Chic, Stain-Free Driveway
If you have trees hanging over your driveway, chances are you need to pressure-wash several times a year. For those tired of hiring out the job, this pressure washer is super-DIY-friendly.
Pair it with fungicidal cleaner to get rid of any green gunk or growth on brick walls or flat surfaces.
Cleaning Solution & Pressure Washer
What would you add to this list?
