Spring 2015
Happy Spring to everyone! I know we are glad to see some sunshine and warm weather. This season has me thinking about days spent in the yard gardening and time in the house spring cleaning. Whether inside the closets and cupboards or out in the yard raking, it’s all about starting fresh.
The past season has been progressing well here at Howe Home Works. John and Steve have finished a bathroom, multiple roof repairs (the water never stops in springtime!), deck renovations, door replacements and countless other projects. From building a new fence to shed repairs, they have their hands full outside this season.
We are also very excited to announce that after much paperwork, Howe Home Works is now MHIC licensed!
As for me, I wanted to take the time to introduce myself for those who don’t know me. I’m Amber, the part time bookkeeper and catchall here. I am available in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays each week. I can also be reached all other business hours through email (see next page) or by phone 443-955-1051. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about what we do here or address any concerns.
Friendly reminder: Due to emergency response inquiries Howe Home Works now accepts Master Card and Visa as some emergencies require added options for payment.
What needs to be done outside?
- Gutter and Roof Maintenance
Although it is important to be conscious of gutter and roof health throughout the year, spring is especially imperative. With excessive rain and melting snow, debris from trees and plants can collect in the gutters. Be sure to clean and check for any damage done this winter. - Foundation
Leaf buildup around foundations can increase moisture and promote rot. Leaves should be cleared from around the base of the home. Inspect areas around foundation for cracks and seal to prevent further damage. - Tools
With gardening season in full swing, it is important to be mindful of rust buildup on blades. Sharpen tools and replace any broken or damaged equipment. Replace gas in leaf blowers, lawn mowers and any other gas powered machines. - Driveways and sidewalks
- Don’t let weeds take over
- After all the snow and ice this year, we all used our fair share of salt and did plenty of shoveling. Survey cement walkways and driveways for cracks. Prompt sealing of cracks will aid in preventing further cracking.
- Home cooling
- Is your a/c system running properly? Yes; it comes on, blows cool air and the air quality inside feels better than out. But, is your a/c system running properly? I would say that 1 in 5 systems that I encounter are running poorly due to neglect.
- Change your filter(s)! Filters need to be changed regularly to allow proper air flow. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and add wear to motors.
- How’s your condensation? Is this question too personal? Air handlers create condensation as they remove heat from the inside air. This moisture has to go somewhere. Find the condensate drain outlet on the air handler. This will be located near the bottom of the unit as there is a tray under the coils that collects the moisture and has an exhaust port. Make sure the water is flowing freely from the unit and there is no sign of moisture leaking from where it shouldn’t.
- How’s the outdoor compressor? Units must be sitting level. The fins or coils must be free of obstructions and clean. I mean really clean. Coils should be cleaned at least once every 2 years to ensure proper air flow through them. Anything less and your unit is aging prematurely while the electric company is smiling.
- How does the air feel? When you put your hand over the compressor outside the air blowing up will always feel warmer than the surrounding air, even when it’s 110 outside. If you don’t feel a difference, there is a problem. Air coming out of vents will be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the outside air. This varies depending on systems and outside air temperatures.
Coming Soon
We have wised up here and hired a professional to handle our website development. Although I wear many hats here, web designer wasn’t destined to be one of them. We look forward to the site being online within the month.
Howe Home Works will soon be welcoming a work van to its fleet. This type of vehicle will be welcomed for the hauling capacity and its ability to store needed items for efficient maintenance, repairs and response.
A word from John
All I would like to say in this newsletter is thank you and sorry.
The winter season had some slow economic periods for us that were worrisome. Some time had to be taken off in December and we had a very slow start in the New Year. This had me concerned as I now find myself responsible not only for my financial health but also for the health of employees and Howe Home Works. I didn’t worry about this as much at start up as business was steady, but once the slow down occurred the reality hit me really hard. Therefore, a thank you must go out to everyone receiving this periodical. You have all played a part in keeping Howe Home Works alive and I will always remember this.
The sorry is for the timing of this newsletter. It is meant to be published at the beginning of a season as a motivational tool for everyone, including myself. Instead the past two have gone out at the end of the season and the information, as it relates, gets stale. I will aim to be timelier in the future. Sorry.
