วันอังคารที่ 3 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551

Your Money - Household Ways To Save Thousands

As the average home owner or renter, you have a full time job at home. You just don't realize it. And because you don't keep up on the maintenance, as you should, you're only making yourself and your loved ones suffer as victims. That may sound extreme, but the average home owner usually let's the simplest maintenance slip by unnoticed. You may say, "I'll get to it tomorrow.", but it's always tomorrow. I'm talking about basic monthly maintenance on the little things. When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils? Did you cut those bushes back away from the house yet? What about the two most important and simplest tasks such as draining the sludge from your water heater and changing out your air filter in your air conditioner system? Why haven't done those tasks? They only take about 10 - 15 minutes. You might as well be throwing your wallet down on the sidewalk for someone else to pickup.

What!? That's right. By not changing your air filter once per month, your air conditioner needs to work harder. Your filter is dirty so the air conditioner needs to suck the inside air through all that dirt just so it can blow a lot of that dirt and allergens back in through your air registers. Think of the old vacuums that used bags. Would you take that old vacuum bag out in the house just to have that plume of dust and dirt fly up in your face? Your allergies don't react well to this. How much money do you spend on antihistamines and other allergy medications? This contributes to your allergies acting up even when you are inside your house.

By not following a regular filter change schedule, your air conditioner gets tired and worn out faster. This means that after years of abuse, instead of lasting 12 - 15 years, you'll be calling a service technician several years sooner. You wouldn't think that a little dirt and dust can do that, but a little adds up quickly. That's not a big concern though is it? The average hourly labor charge for a service technician in any trade will run you about $70 and up. In fact, count on at least $60 just for the technician to turn that key in his ignition and say, "Good afternoon." The cost not only can, but will be at least several hundred dollars. I'm not trying to scare you, but the truth is the truth.

What about your water heater? What sludge? Every water source pumps very small particulates of minerals and dirt into your house and goes through your water heater, even if you are on city water. Over time, these particulates can corrode the anode rod inside your water heater (which is a good thing). This "sacrificial rod" is what degrades over time instead of your water heater, and it settles as rusty sediment and dirt at the bottom of your water heater. You need to flush out this sludge from your water heater at least once per year. If you are on a well, then I would recommend flushing your water heater out at least 3 times per year and install a sediment filter on the main pipe that flows into your water heater. You will need to periodically replace the sacrificial anode rod as well; more frequently if you are on a well system, or you will find yourself replacing the water heater itself.

If you fail to perform basic preventive maintenance around the house, you won't be buying just a filter or anode rod for a few dollars. You'll be new equipment years before you need to do so. If you are unsure of how to do the maintenance, schedule a service call from a qualified technician, and observe them as they do the job properly. You will be better prepared to do it yourself the next time, and you can get your questions answered by someone who brings their experience into your home.

For more information and guidance about saving money in home repairs for water heaters, air conditioning, heat pumps, etc, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com

Comfort Zone specializes in HVAC and other household systems. From their testimonials page, it is apparent that they are very helpful in answering questions and providing top-notch service. If you are not located in their area, do an internet search for a similar company located near you, and ask for references to ensure credentials.

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Daniel Elliott is an independent contractor who authors articles and media on a variety of topics for diverse audiences. WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services for many of the clients, industries and markets related to the articles and media authored by Dan Elliott. If you would like Dan Elliott to ghost write or pen an article for you or your company, please contact him with your specifications.

Understand how online articles add value to your business while providing valuable information to the public, consider reading the book Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy by Thomas M. Elliott (http://www.website411book.com). Offer a value to your readers by providing educating on relevant topics that interests them.

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