Batteries

This time of year people have usually checked their batteries or realized that they are growing weak in their vehicles, but what about our houses?
In a previous post I mentioned it is a good idea to change out that old battery in the thermostat to ensure uninterrupted warmth but there are so many other things to check out.
It would be a good idea to have a fall checklist where you replace your batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and thermostats. Many people will do this during daylight savings and will change any clock batteries at this time as well.
Here are a few additional thoughts as you consider batteries.
Why not stop by a jewelry location and have them replace your watch battery or pick one up and do it yourself. Seems like they always go out at the worst possible time.
Your flashlights should be ready with fresh batteries or charged if necessary.
If you have a charging station maybe its time to rotate batteries so that the same ones aren't just setting in a perpetual time of cooking.
Speaking of cooking, what about your timers and scales for food and for people.
There is another side to batteries as well. As the weather turns and you will no longer be needing your mowers, tillers or any other maintenance item it is a good idea to take them out and store them properly, using a trickle charger to maintain. I do this for my motorcycle as well.
It isn't just equipment that stays outside that need to be considered. We have such things as metal detectors, remote control toys and those types of things that would be good to remove the batteries until we are able to get back out and enjoy them. Of course this list could go on and on.
One final thought would be to insure your phone battery is powered up and retains a good charge. If it is beginning to weaken and you only get a short life out of it, replace it. Batteries for most phones are pretty easily found and even if you have an apple product you can take them in and have the battery replaced for a pretty reasonable price. Shops are popping up crossed the country that specialize in this task and are fairly quick about it as well.
Stay warm and concern free by proactively dealing with batteries.
Till next time
P.M.

water shed

With all the flooding in Nebraska and Iowa this spring I wanted to send out a reminder to check your around the perimeter of your house.
Take a walk around and pay special attention to down spouts, that they are attached and directed away from any potential low spots or around cement walls, sidewalks, etc. Another common thing is to ck to make sure there are no blockages in the downspout as well as where the gutter feeds into the downspout.
You may also wish to pay special attention to the flow of the melting snow. The largest issue many of our area basements had were a large amount of rain on frozen ground and with the piles of snow the water shed was diverted to areas that pooled quickly and led to a washout that fed into the basement.
unfortunately this is a bit late and many have already experienced the misfortune of wet carpet, mushy drywall and will now be in the midst of removing the wet contaminated debris. Before replacing any products it is important to make sure every surface is dry, locate the source of the water infiltration and make the necessary repairs. Always keep your drywall off the flooring or you will find yourself with a wicking circumstance where the water feeds up the surface. If you need information or advice on this project be sure to leave me a comment and i will be glad to help out.
Stay dry, spring is coming.
P.M.

Check that thernostat

Several years ago we lived in a state where the temperatures would plummet to -25 and stay there for a couple of weeks sometimes. Although this was one of the most beautiful areas I have ever lived with fresh lakes that you could see the bottom 30 feet below you and tall majestic trees, not to mention the beautiful snow fall and wildlife. But during this time there was one specific morning that we woke up to a frosty cold house and quickly discovered the furnace was not running. I tend to think of myself as being pretty handy and after inspecting the thermocoupler, a couple of temperature sensors and checking for restrictions in the exhaust I was puzzled. Normally I could at least get it to fire up and this time the fan would kick on but no heat. As I was trying to figure it out my wife being the helpful mate she is commented that the battery symbol on our digital thermostat had been on but apparently went out. I brushed it off as if I had an idea where to go from here when she commented it might at least be worth checking. I reluctantly and begrudgingly went to the thermostat took off the cover and replaced the battery just to make sure she couldn't bother me with this again. To my amazement the furnace kicked on and within an hour we were back up and no longer worried about the pipes freezing. Learn from my mistake and keep your batteries fresh and strong by replacing them every year with your smoke detectors or if you find yourself in the above situation it may be worth a look. I have since talked to many homeowners and several HVAC guys who have shared it is way more common than one might think. I hope this keeps you warm and you don't have to learn like I did.