Patty's "All Things Real Estate" Blog.

Spring is on its way here in Pleasanton! Winter is loosening its cold grip, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and sunshine is peeking into windows. It’s time to brighten up, rearrange furniture and welcome the return of warmer weather. A few hours of old-fashioned spring cleaning can refresh and revitalize your home and your spirit!

Where to Start?

• Move furniture and vacuum under it.

• Wash windows inside and out.

• Repair or replace torn screens.

• Bring out warm-weather clothing; clean and store heavy winter wear.

• Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.

• Clean out the garage to create space for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.

• Clear away dead foliage and weeds to make room for new growth.

• Check interior, exterior and grounds for any needed seasonal maintenance.

• Have cooling systems inspected so they are ready for action.

• Schedule a garage or yard sale to dispose of unwanted items and turn your trash into cash!

• Clean gutters and downspouts and inspect for proper drainage.

• Wash house exterior to remove dirt and mildew.

• Clean and replace air filters.

• Reprogram thermostat settings for warmer temperatures.

• Check pool and spa equipment.

• Clean and seal wood decks and fences.

WINTER TIP: Use Your Ceiling This Winter and Stay Warm!

Reverse the switch on your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise (reverse; this looks clockwise as you are looking up). This will redirect the warm air from the ceiling and down the walls and into the living space. Run the fan at a low speed so that you don’t actually cool the warm air that you are moving downward.

• Add garden record keeping to the list of New Year’s resolutions. Make a note of which varieties of flowers and vegetables do best and which do poorly in your garden.

• Avoid heavy traffic on the dormant lawn. Dry grass is easily broken and the crown of the plant may be severely damaged or killed.

• Feed the birds regularly and see that they have water. Birds like suet, fruit, nuts, and bread crumbs as well as bird seed.

• If you have some time this winter, paint the handles of garden tools red or orange. This will preserve the wood and make the tools easier to locate in the garden or on the lawn.

(ARA) Now that winter has arrived, it’s important to take these four steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency — they’ll save you money and keep you warm, all season long.

1. Insulate

Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.

2. Seal your windows

Use silicone caulk to seal air leaks or place shrink wrap film over drafty windows to help reduce energy loss.

3. Have your furnace inspected and clean your HVAC system

“Having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned can extend the life of your furnace and can even make it run up to 20 percent more efficiently” says Aaron Marshbanks, board member at NADCA — The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance & Restoration Association. “Having your system cleaned can also save up to 30 percent in energy costs and the increase in air flow usually translates into increased comfort.”

4. Change filters regularly

Once you have a clean HVAC system, it’s crucial to change your furnace filters regularly. Change your furnace filter once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.

For more information on how to winterize your home, visit NADCA.com.

I wanted to alert you to a FREE recycling event that I heard about yesterday.  

Universal Waste Management is hosting this event ONE DAY ONLY on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 10:00am – 2:0pm.  It will be held in the parking lot at 2600 Camino Ramon in San Ramon’s Bishop Ranch.

Here is a list of items that you can bring for recycling:

• TV’s
• Monitors
• Computer Systems & components
• Copiers
• Fax machines
• MP3′s
• Printers
• Video game systems
• Cell phones (& cell phone batteries)
• Phone systems
• Data tapes
• Internet devices
• Miscellaneous wiring
• CD’s/DVD’s – players & discs
• Stereo equipment
• Toner

NO HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ALKALINE BATTERIES, OR LIGHT BLUBS ACCEPTED.

Please visit www.unwaste.com or call the company directly 510-868-8783 for more detailed information.

Happy Recycling!