Forgotten Hiding Places for DUST BUNNIES
Ahhhh…dust bunnies! Don’t you just love them?!
The ones we can see floating across the bare floor are bad enough, but what about the ones that are hiding? You know; the fuzzy little creatures that lurk in the corners, under appliances, and in mechanical units? We don’t often think of these little critters, but they procreate like …well …rabbits!
A mass of lint and fuzz can accumulate before you know it and it becomes more than just a mess to clean up. Home maintenance is necessary to keep your house healthy, strong, and functioning at its best. Just like your car, your home need to be maintained to give it long life and reduce the need for unnecessary and expensive repair.
Here at 3Rs Construction, we want you to enjoy your home for many years to come, so occasionally we will remind you of home maintenance tasks that should be on your calendar. Before they wreak too much havoc, wrangle those forgotten dust bunnies in these three, often forgotten places:
FURNACE FILTERS – Clean or replace once a month
Regular maintenance of furnace filters will help your HVAC system work efficiently and decrease the chance of unexpected repair. The bonus for you and your family is that the air quality of your home will be improved as well. An old, dust-filled filter will spread dust and bacteria throughout your house. Cleaning or replacing is generally very easy and you can pick up most filters at home improvement stores. Bring the old one with you to the store if you need help finding the right size.
REFRIGERATOR COILS – Clean annually
Poor refrigerators. They are the appliance most ignored when it comes to dust bunny maintenance. The cooling coils are like a magnet for fluff and will decrease the cooling power of your refrigerator. Look for the coils under, or on the back of the refrigerator. No need to call the Maytag repair man; a handy coil cleaning brush and vacuum is all that you need to get this task complete.
DRYER VENTS – Clean annually
Maintaining clean ventilation for your dryer not only helps your clothes dry quicker, but protects your home from fire. Dryer lint holds moisture and when it gets hot it can, and will self-ignite. In non-smoking homes, clogged dryer ducting is the number one cause of house fires; number two for households with smokers.
Most people remember to clean the lint trap, but the duct venting hot air outside needs to be cleaned out regularly too. Over the course of a year, particles of lint, dust, and fuzz accumulate on the lining of the duct and on the screen of the outdoor opening. If the build-up clogs the vent, you have a big potential disaster for your dryer and home.
Clean out the vent with a special brush and vacuum. Follow the instructions provided with your dryer and/or the cleaning brush that you purchase. There are lots of tutorials online, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is too important put off and we want you to be safe in your home!
* Bonus Tip From 3Rs Construction:
If you have had a recent home remodel or large repair, take the extra time to check these dust bunny collecting areas. The disturbance from construction creates lots of additional dust and dirt particles, especially for your furnace filter.
* Extra Special Bonus Tip From 3Rs Construction:
The more pets you have in your house the more frequently you should check for dust bunnies. If you own the neighborhood petting zoo, there’s a good chance you’ll need to get the maintenance tools out more often.
Maintenance reminders posted on your calendar will help you have a safe, healthy, and happy home. If you would like help with annual home maintenance or repair, 3Rs would love to lend a hand. We have skilled professionals on our team that can take the guess work out of handyman projects. Give us a call at 503-363-1059 or visit our website contact page.
Just like dust bunnies, our estimates and smiles are always free!
by Janell Schomus for 3Rs Construction Management LLC
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