Grilling Safety Tips

Since it's summer and the 4th of July is just a couple weeks away, here are some grilling safety tips from the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA).

Photo Credit: Robert C. Abraham via Compfight cc

• Read the owner's manual
• Grills are for outside use ONLY
• Use in well ventilated area
• Keep grill stable
• Follow electric codes
• Use long handled utensils
• Wear safe clothing
• Keep fire under control
• Be ready to extinguish flames
• Consider placing a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill
• Never leave grill unattended once lit
• Stay away from hot grill
• Don't move hot grill

A safe barbecue is a fun barbecue. Happy grilling! 

For detailed information on each tip, visit the HPBA website here.

Fast and Free Summer Conservation Tips!

Summer is just around the corner! With summer comes higher utility bills. Here are some fast and free conservation tips from the Consumer Energy Center California Energy Commission to ensure you're conserving during summer!

Photo: One of Kaplan Construction's projects. A home remodel in Long Beach, CA. For more photos of this home, click here.

• Use your microwave to cook. Microwaves use 2/3's less energy than cooking on a stove.
• Use your dishwasher to wash dishes (make sure it's a full load). Dishwashers use less water than hand washing. To save energy, let your dishes air dry.
• Having lots of food in your refrigerator prevents the fridge from warming up too fast when the door is open. So fill up your fridge, so your fridge does not have to work as hard to stay cool.
• Turn up your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away.
• Help prevent power outages by using high energy consuming appliances (i.e. your washing machine and dryer) after 6 P.M.
• Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.

For more tips on energy and water conservation, click 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.

Happy Memorial Day!

"Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, its's honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that's a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. Its continuation or service that honors our country and those who fell defending in." -Pete Hegseth