If you ’re new to home ownership , you may think that discover a star sign , getting approved for a mortgage , and closing were the hardest part of pose down roots . And while buying a homeisa big accomplishment , it ’s just the beginning ! To keep your dwelling house in peak - top shape for years to descend , you ’ll need to outwit its biggest menace : the conditions . Luckily , there are plenty of things you’re able to do to keep its structure safe and your utility costs low — and most of them do n’t require declarer - degree skills .
1. INSULATE, INSULATE, INSULATE.
Whether you dwell in a cold area of the country or a warm one ( or both ! ) , insulating your Classical Greek and basement is one of the good things you may do to keep stir up and cooling cost down . Upkeep is minimal : Every bounce and fall , do a spot impediment to ensure there are n’t fling or gaps allowing extraneous air in ( and inside air out ) .
2. GET TECHY.
Installing a programmable thermostat that automatise indoor temperature is an well-to-do way to save about $ 180 a year in heat and cooling price . Decide if you require a unit with distant entree , i.e. , chic nursing home technology , or without . If you ’re replacing your old thermoregulator , it ’s easy to do yourself ; if you ’re putting in an entirely new organization , hire a professional .
3. PAINT YOUR HOME RIGHT.
Exterior paint is the first level of defense against the elements . Harsh UV rays can induce paint to crack and undress , while utmost temperatures force the aerofoil covering your habitation to dilate and contract . In surface area of the res publica where rain and humidity abound , moisture can seep into paint , causing mold , mildew , and algae to take root . Fortunately , the right paint , formulated for the consideration where you exist , can make all the difference . Valspar ® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with SeasonFlex ™ engineering science take shape a flexible hamper with your home ’s exterior throughout summer and wintertime ; Valspar ® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with SunStopper ™ Technology refracts visible light while neutralizing harmful UV rays ; and Valspar ® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint + Primer with RainRelief ™ Technology forms a watertight shackle with your plate , while the included mildewcide fends off unwanted nasties .
4. GIVE YOURSELF A NEW OUTLET.
This is a tiny , sluttish thing to do , which makes it hone whether you lease or own your place . Wave your hand in front of electric outlet to see if air is coming through . If yes , instal a foam issue gasket . They ’re inexpensive and well removable , so you could even take them with you if you move .
5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO VENT.
Yes , your home needs ventilation , particularly around the drier , over the stove and in the john . But do n’t allow melodic phrase to escape . Look for a magnetic covert for your kitchen exhaust fumes fan and an interior flapper for your lav fan to palm wet . As for the dryer , be sure the external vent has a flaps over it — and check it sporadically to make trusted it remains lint - complimentary .
6. TREAT YOUR FLUE.
Yes , that real fireplaceisquaint . When it ’s not in use though , its lamp chimney is also letting warm air out , as it ’s design to do . Always remember to shut the flue when you do n’t have a firing going . And if you ’re just move in , contact a professional to check the lamp chimney ’s physical state . They ’ll examine it from cap to hearth , and may also install a balloon that inflates mechanically underneath the flue pipe to keep air from escaping . It will also deflate when there ’s heat nowadays , allow the chimney to do its job .
7. STRATEGIZE YOUR REMODEL.
In some cases , weatherproofing your home require more than keeping pelting out and the correct temperatures in . If you ’re build or remodeling a home in a rising tide or tsunami geographical zone near the sea , consult an architect that specializes in utmost weatherproofing . Living areas can be arouse , drinking glass can be bastioned and classic shingle can be replaced with composite tiles for ultimate gust and downpour security .
in the end there ’s a paint explicate to stand up up to the extreme weather where you live . New Valspar ® Reserve ® Extreme Weather Paint and Primer in three regional , weather - specific formulas : SeasonFlex ™ , SunStopper ™ and RainRelief ™ . Find the one for you entirely at Lowe ’s or go toValsparpaint.com/ExteriorPaintto learn more .
