![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.opushomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/AlexReid-1.jpg\")
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Learn all about caring for your new home with OPUS Homes’ Construction Manager, Alex Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n With more than 15 years of experience building homes, Alex knows how to keep your home looking great and operating at peak efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”7″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1642″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Once you move in, your home requires a little bit of regular maintenance to keep things running reliably and efficiently.\u00a0 Taking a bit of time to pay close attention to heating, cooling and ventilation on the inside, and drainage on the outside can help prevent costly repairs over time.<\/p>\n There are a few areas of the home that need to be maintained for safety, to prevent undue wear and tear, and to keep things running efficiently for better home comfort.<\/p>\n Checking the exterior of your home, you need to ensure your catch basins, eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of debris, so that water can run freely away from your home, as the snow melts.\u00a0 At this time, you can also inspect the exterior of your home for any holes or places small animals can nest.<\/p>\n Once the fear of sub zero temperatures have passed, you can open the valve to your exterior hose bib connection.\u00a0 This is also the time to begin early landscaping and yard maintenance. De-thatching, aerating and fertilizing your lawn will give it the boost it needs to look great all summer long.<\/p>\n Finally, wash away any de-icing agents left standing on your porches or precast steps, as it can degrade them over time.<\/p>\n Inside, your home, it\u2019s critical to check and\/or replace the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.\u00a0 You can make it a habit to do this at the same time as the clocks change to daylight savings time.<\/p>\n This is also the time to replace your furnace filter and to clean or replace your HRV (heat recovery ventilator) filters. You can purchase filters at any hardware store, but be sure to pay close attention to the size and specification that\u2019s required.\u00a0 Every 2-3 years you should have a certified heating and cooling contractor inspect and maintain your furnace and a\/c to ensure it\u2019s running efficiently.<\/p>\n Finally, be sure to inspect and clear away any dust or cobwebs that may have accumulated under your gas fireplace.\u00a0 To do this, open the front grate and vacuum carefully inside.\u00a0 Reference your owner\u2019s manual for further details on cleaning the components.<\/p>\n This is a great start to keeping your home beautiful and running at peak efficiency through the spring.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Learn all about caring for your new home with OPUS Homes’ Construction Manager, Alex Reid. With more than 15 years of experience building homes, Alex knows how to keep your home looking great and operating at peak efficiency. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”7″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1642″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Once you move in, your home requires a little bit … <\/p>\nYour Home\u2019s Exterior<\/span><\/h3>\n
Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors<\/span><\/h3>\n
Your Furnace and HRV<\/span><\/h3>\n
Your Gas Fireplace<\/span><\/h3>\n