Hello, August! Your August To-Do List!

It's August, and here is your August to do list! This month we would like to focus on air circulation around your home. Cleaning vents and filters will provide clean air flow throughout your home and will not stress your fans and air conditioning units.

Photo: One of Kaplan Contruction's kitchen remodels in Long Beach, CA. You can find more photos of this kitchen remodel featured on This Old House magazine here.

Dust, dirt, debris, and other particles get trapped in air filters and vents, along with moisture, which allows mold, bacteria, and allergens to flow freely around your home. Here are some home maintenance tips to consider to prevent this from happening and to improve the air flow in your home.

1. Clean or replace air conditioner filter

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Regularly changing your air conditioning filters will prevent mold, bacterial, and allergens to circulate your home and can save about 5-15% on energy costs from your AC unit.

2. Clean air conditioner drain line

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Moisture drips from your evaporator coil and into your AC drain line. While moisture is collected at the drain line, dust, dirt, and other debris are collected as well. Cleaning the AC drain will prevent clogs and leaks from occurring.

3. Clean and maintain bathroom vent fan

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Bathroom vent fans collect dust and prevent moisture from staying in the bathroom, cleaning and maintaining the fans will prevent mold and other harmful bacteria from forming and will allow your fans to work efficiently.

4. Clean range and hood filter and fan

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Your range and hood remove grease, moisture, and smoke while cooking. Cleaning the range and hood filter and fan will provide better air ventilation and reduce the stress in your fan. 
NOTE: Remember to UNPLUG your range and hood before cleaning it!

5. Clean refrigerator coils

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Coils collect dirt, dust, hair, and other particles. Cleaning refrigerator coils will increase the lifespan of your refrigerator. It will allow the coils to heat easily and efficiently and not stress your refrigerator's compressor.
NOTE: Remember to UNPLUG your refrigerator before cleaning it!

6. Clean and test refrigerator door seal

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Cleaning and testing your refrigerator door seal will ensure that your refrigerator is easily maintaining its set temperature. A broken door seal will cause your refrigerator to work harder than it should to maintain the set temperature. This can reduce the lifespan of the refrigerator and increase your energy usage.

For detailed information and instructions to complete each task, Danny Lipford from Today's Homeowner provides a blog post on these.

You can download a printable To-Do list here.

Hello, July! Your July To-Do List!

It's July! This month we will be focusing on small fixes that can be done around your home. The Homeowners and Trades Resource Center (The HTRC) offers some tips on things to check for around your home.

Photo: One of Kaplan Construction's projects in Belmont Heights. For more photos of this home remodel, click here.

1. Check for any missing or cracked electrical plates and replace them.
2. Check for any missing or cracked caulking around tubs and windows.
3. Tighten loose screws, such as your cabinet drawer pulls, doors, and doorknobs.
4. Check all locks and hinges are working smoothly - if not, add graphite or appropriate oil.
5. Vacuum or wipe off your vent covers, under the refrigerator, the refrigerator coils, light bulbs, the ceiling fan housing and blades, and all other places you normally skip while cleaning.
6. Check your fire extinguisher charge - if it is in the caution or dead area, replace it.
7. Check all smoke alarm and CO2 batteries, replace if needed.

For more tips and details, check out The HTRC blog here.

Contact Kaplan Construction at 562-495-0483 or via email for caulking and insulation work, heating and furnace replacement, and new window installation.

You can find a downloadable To-Do List here.

Hello, June! Your June To-Do List!

This month, we would like to focus on small home repairs that can potentially save you money in the long run before the repair becomes an expensive repair. Handyman Matters offers a list of things to check in your home.

Photo: One of Kaplan Construction's projects, a home remodel in Belmont Heights, CA. For more photos of this home remodel, click here.

1. Tighten loose screws and nails on porches and fences.
2. Test and adjust gates
3. Clean and seal fence and porch area.
4. Fill up all sinks and check drains for leaks.
5. Change furnace air filters.
6. Test all smoke and CO detectors.
7. Have all air ducts cleaned every other year.

For more information on these repairs for your home, you can view the Handyman Matters blog here.

You can download a printable To-Do list here.

Hello, May! Your May To-Do List!

This month, we would like to focus on maintenance that will increase your energy efficiency at home.

Photo: The kitchen remodel of one of our clients in Belmont Heights, CA. To see more photos of this home, click here.

Here is your May home maintenance to do list!

1. Clean your windows and window screens. This will allow you to enjoy the natural ventilation of your home.
2. Optimize your thermostat or install a thermostat to use your energy efficiently.
3. Clean your AC units.
4. Check all appliances for buildup and clean.
5. Seal all cracks around doors and windows.
6. Lower your water temperature.

For detailed information on each task, coverhound.com offers a blog post on this topic here.

For a printable to-do list, click here.