Five Resolutions for Homeowners in the New Year

As we approach a new year, it's the perfect time for homeowners to reflect on their living spaces and set resolutions that will not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to long-term comfort, savings, and sustainability. Here are five resolutions to consider for a more vibrant and efficient home in 2024.

1. Home Maintenance Schedule

One of the most practical resolutions for homeowners is to establish a comprehensive home maintenance schedule. This roadmap can be a game-changer when it comes to preserving the integrity of your home. Include routine tasks such as gutter cleaning, HVAC system checks, and roof inspections in your plan. By consistently adhering to this schedule, you can catch potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. 

2. Energy Efficiency Improvements

In the spirit of embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, resolve to make your home more energy-efficient in the coming year. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, sealing drafts in windows and doors, and adding insulation where needed. Additionally, installing a smart thermostat can optimize your heating and cooling systems, providing not only environmental benefits but also long-term cost savings on your energy bills.

3. Declutter and Organize

Amid the chaos of life, maintaining an organized and clutter-free home can be a challenge. This year, make it a resolution to declutter and organize your living spaces systematically. Take one room at a time, donating or discarding items you no longer need. Implement practical storage solutions to keep things organized. A clutter-free home not only looks more inviting, but it can also contribute to a more peaceful and stress-free living environment. 

4. Home Security Enhancement

Safety should always be a top priority for homeowners. This year, resolve to assess and enhance the security of your home. Consider upgrading locks, installing a comprehensive security system, adding motion sensor lighting, and reinforcing doors and windows. A secure home not only protects your loved ones and belongings but also provides peace of mind. Investing in security measures is an investment in the well-being of your household.

5. Water Conservation Efforts

Water is a precious resource and every drop counts. Pledge to be a responsible homeowner by implementing water conservation efforts in and around your home. Promptly fix any leaks, install water-efficient fixtures, and consider drought-resistant landscaping. Conserving water not only aligns with environmental consciousness but can also result in lower water bills. In the pursuit of sustainability, small changes can lead to significant impacts.

As you embark on these resolutions for the New Year, remember to break them down into manageable tasks and create a timeline for implementation throughout the year. By doing so, you can track your progress and ensure that these resolutions become lasting improvements for your home. Here's to a year of positive changes, a refreshed home, and the satisfaction of being a proactive homeowner. Cheers to a Happy and Home-Enhanced New Year!

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Check For Heat Loss and Save Big

Holiday lights, Christmas trees, and colder temperatures mean that December is usually one of the most expensive months in terms of utility bills. Last month, energy companies said that the average Connecticut electric bill would jump around $80 per month per household come January, so now is a great time to start thinking about ways to save. 

One resource that not enough people take advantage of is an audit by Energize Connecticut. For a fee, a home energy consultant will come to your home and conduct a full assessment, covering your furnace and water heater, air ducts, windows, doors, and more. Plus they can offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. To apply, visit the EnergizeCT website and choose your service provider. 

In addition to an assessment, here are the top five spots I always check for air leaks and heat loss. 

1. Windows. Believe it or not, hanging heavy fabric drapes can help you retain up to 25% of the heat in your home. This is especially true with large glass doors that aren’t being used in the winter months. Also, be sure to check for gaps. Wooden window frames get warped with age and can lead to serious air leakage. For cracks that are smaller than a quarter of an inch, a silicone caulk will work to plug up areas where heat is escaping. Also, if you feel air coming right through your single panes and the glass rattles with the wind, beef them up with some shrink film. This product can be found at any home supply store and can be cut to size. 

2. Doors. We don’t often open the windows in the winter, but doors are a different story. They let lots of air escape, but they can’t be sealed completely because we need to use them. I always suggest inspecting your door sweep to ensure it’s not damaged and replacing it if the bristles have come loose. A door snake or seal can also come in handy, which can be purchased at any big box store or even made at home with an old pair of stockings and some rice, beans, newspaper, or another filling.

3. Attic. Those of you with an attic hatch are likely losing a ton of warm air through its frame. We all know that hot air rises, so close off that hatch with an insulated box that fits over the entryway. It's a great way to retain heat in the home and you’ll still have full access to the attic to get holiday decorations, luggage, and storage items.

4. Water Heater. Insulate your water heater’s tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the summer months. 

5. Insulation. Most homes simply do not have enough insulation in the walls and attic, which is probably the number one contributor to sky-high energy bills. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat flow, helping to keep the warm air inside the house by slowing the flow and stopping the heat from getting outside. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that with proper insulation, the average home in our area can save approximately 16 to 50 percent in total heating and cooling costs depending on the age and condition of the home. Plus it’s one of the highest-rated home improvements in terms of real estate resale value. 

Rising energy bills will be no joke this season. Take a few steps to winterproof your home and the impending increase won’t hit your wallet as hard in the new year. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Finding the Right Christmas Tree for Your Family

With so many beautiful Christmas trees to choose from, it can be hard to pick a type that will suit a family’s home and unique needs. You might not know that some trees are better for kids while others are great for people with allergies. Some have strong branches that are excellent for heavy ornaments while others are much more delicate. Here is my list of the top trees that you’ll find at your local farm or stand, and some of the key differences to help you find your perfect match.

Balsam Fir

One of the most popular picks for Christmas is a balsam fir, which is loved for its sturdy needles, bright green color, strong scent, and beautiful shape. Because of its popularity, the balsam fir is also one of the more affordable options of all the different tree types. You can’t go wrong with this classic, which grows strong and lasts long. Plus, like most firs, it’s hypoallergenic too. 

White Pine

This is another winner but for a much different reason than the balsam. White pines are loved by families for their super soft texture and touchable needles. They can grow very large and they are also inexpensive, which makes them the choice tree for many people with young children. One thing to note about this species is that those soft needles grow from delicate branches, so only go this route if you have lightweight ornaments. 

Douglas Fir

Though called a fir, the Douglas is actually a species all its own. While grown mainly in the Northwest region of the United States, this tree is popular all over the country because it’s tough enough to withstand early cutting and lots of traveling. The needles are soft with a sweet fragrance and the shape is conical, making it easy and fun to decorate without too much precision.

Blue Spruce

The color of this tree makes it the hero of any holiday decor. Those beautiful bluish needles are easy to fall in love with, but decorator beware - those babies are sharp! If you have a good set of gloves, they will be well worth using to get this tree in place. But once it’s decorated, you can rest easy as pets tend to keep their distance. 

Concolor Fir

The concolor is a favorite in my house because it has all the wonderful characteristics of the fir species - great shape, good color, strong branches, and long needles. The difference is the smell. Unlike most Christmas trees, this variety offers a beautiful citrus scent, keeping the house bright and fresh smelling through the holidays. 

What type of tree does your family love? Is there one I have missed that makes its way into your house year after year? I’d love to hear from you - shoot me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.