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MID-WINTER REMINDERS


02.11.10

Winter is not over and recent service issues with some homes prompt me to review some suggestions, to avoid big issues later.

First, if you are not occupying your home daily, I strongly advise shutting off the main water valve from a Town water line pipe, or your well tank, when you are absent. Several homes have experienced frozen pipes with resulting interior damage. However, If you have a steam boiler, you must NOT turn off your water supply.

If you are purchasing oil without an automatic delivery service, be sure and check your oil level so you don't run out. Weekend deliveries are sometimes not provided, or can cost extra on an 'emergency delivery' request. Also, you should try and have your boiler not running at delivery since a delivery can stir up sediment in a tank, possibly leading to a clogged oil filter. This does not apply to propane fuel.

If you are using a wood stove, or otherwise using your fireplace frequently, be sure your chimney is in good physical condition, and that there is not a significant build up of creosote or soot. Both can help cause/create a chimney fire. Older chimneys are prone to cracks that may, or may not, perforate the chimney due to age or heat. If perforated, it could be dangerous.

Finally, be sure your batteries are fresh in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, if you have them, and you should. Also, I see too many homes with disconnected battery operated detectors in place.

©2010 R. Leech features.



10.01.09
SHORT SUBJECTS
Mortgage rates are at historic lows currently.



09.24.09
FALL CHANGEOVER
Okay. Summer's over. Leaves are falling, trees are changing color, and it is time to put your home into its Winter mode.



09.17.09
ENDANGERED PRODUCTS
Europe is phasing out the incandescent light bulb and the 100 watt bulb is apparently the first bulb to be taken off the market in the future.



09.03.09
TECHNOLOGY
The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck ended over the weekend and, for fair lovers, it offers an extraordinary array of booths that should satisfy anyone on almost any level. For a technologist such as myself, it did not disappoint.



08.27.09
IT IS MUSTY INSIDE!!
Keeping ahead of the mildew is probably the greatest task you may face.



08.13.09
ELECTRICITY SUPPLIERS - A MAZE FOR CONFUSION?
Since my last comment on this topic, the list of suppliers has 'exploded', numbering 45 in this latest insert.



08.06.09
WHAT'S IN THE NAME? - NOT FOOD, BUT...
...behind their names, food is what they are all about. THEY are JAM and WHEN PIGS FLY.





Robinson Leech Real Estate
318 Main Street | P.O. Box 1627 | Lakeville, Connecticut 06039
Phone 860.435.9891 | Fax 860.435.9400 | info@robinleechrealestate.com


Offerings subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York