September, while still quite hot, is still the beginning of fall. If you didn't spring clean your home, then it's time to fall clean. But in this case, let's plan on house-fixins', recommendations for most of this month, thanks to Reader's Digest.
Test the thermometer. To prevent your air or heat from working too hard, do some preliminary experiments. For example, every spring and fall, tape a household thermometer on the wall next to the thermostat and compare readings after 15 minutes. If the difference between the two measures more than a few degrees, follow the manufacturer's instructions to recalibrate the thermostat. In fact, speaking of thermostats, consider buying a programmable one. The U.S. Department of Energy claims an Energy Star-rated model can save us about $180 in heating and cooling costs yearly. Available for about $40, it's easily installable with no newer rewiring required in most homes (depending upon the age of the house/wiring).
Ellen Phillips Stop air leaks under doors. Most door thresholds adjust up and down with screws. To prevent escaping air, turn all screws equally until the door opens and closes without much drag. Moreover, seal drafty windows with removable caulk; this keeps cold air outside in winter but can be easily peeled off come warmer months.
Patch a drywall hole. Buy an adhesive aluminum patch, some joint compound (similar to Spackle), and a taping knife. Clean any rough edges around the hole; stick the patch onto the wall over the hole and using the taping knife, spread a layer of joint compound over it. Dry overnight. Spread a wider second coat, feathering out the compound on all sides to make the patch blend in. Let dry. Apply one last coat extending eight to twelve inches beyond the patch in all directions. After it dries, sand the area with a sanding sponge until it feels smooth and even. Prime and then paint. If nail holes need filling, forego the toothpaste and also use the joint compound. Fill the holes, apply a second coat and scrape the excess so the area is flush with the wall. Prime and paint.
Electronics protection is a must. Power surges can ruin your electronics. Buy surge suppressors at a home improvement store for about twenty bucks apiece and plug each of your cords into one. In fact, consider getting a whole-house suppressor. This is NOT a do-it-yourselfer, however. Expect to pay an electrician from $400 to $600.
Repair carpet snags. Carpets with woven loops can create unraveling of loose fibers into bigger snaps. Don't replace carpet before trying a quick fix first. Gently tug the carpet's loose part to find where it's still attached and snip off as close to the backing as possible. (Do not throw away!) Surround the area with painter's tape and squeeze a heavy bead of carpet seam sealer into the run. Fill the hole with the saved fiber; press it into the sealer with a screwdriver, bit by bit, until the area looks like the rest of the carpet. To prevent damaging the fibers, vacuum high-traffic areas at least once weekly to prevent stains, damaging the fibers, and making it wear out faster.
(Until next week)
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.