Monday, March 18, 2013

In Doylestown, March Comes in like a Lion and Goes out like a…Lion?



Friends in the Doylestown area: you've probably noticed that it's taking longer than usual to hear tell of this "lamb" that March is supposed to turn into. We've had a few warm days here and there, but more than halfway through the month, temps are still hovering in the 30's and 40's. This time last year, we were already seeing 50's and 60's for days on end.

Not to mention, there will be moisture.

There have been quite a few storm systems making their way through the northeast, so any warmth we feel for the time being most likely won't be permanent. Don't worry, warm weather lovers, patience is a virtue and the thermometers will be rising soon. For now, though, revel in the few interspersed days that allow you to go without heat AND A/C to save you money and get the fresh air flowing before allergy season flares up. These money saving days are what make the early spring season one of our favorites.

And you know what they say: when life gives you lemons, take the opportunity to make sure your HVAC unit is up-to-date! Warmer weather is closing in and before you know it, you'll be switching the thermostat from 'heat' to 'cool.' It's during these transition periods that it's most important to call your local Doylestown heating and cooling expert to perform some routine maintenance and to make sure your unit is performing at its maximum potential. That is, after all, the best way to make sure the unit is efficient (read: cheaper) and safer for the season to come.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Refresh Your Home to Sell after Winter



Spring is the time of the year that most sellers put their homes on the market, because it's the season where most people are looking to buy. After all, nobody wants to move in the winter – especially not here in PA, where the winter has been brutal and the snow has yet to let up, even mid-March. But after you haven't had any fresh air circulating in your home for the past few months, how can you get the house in its best condition for showing off? Here are a few tips…

Do a Mini Bathroom Makeover. Not all of us have the money to remodel before selling a home, but you can sort of take the express lane to make a dated bathroom look refreshed in a few easy steps. Paint over tiles with a neutral paint, recaulk the tub, and/or re-grout where appropriate – it makes a really big difference. Also, polish or replace the faucets, as they can make the whole space look cleaner and more modern.

Freshen Up. Buyers often go off their immediate impression of a house – as in, "the first ten seconds of entering" immediate. A few things that you can do to give it a sense of warmth right off the bat? Let in natural light, burn a few candles, shampoo the carpets, and hang a wreath on the door. And, of course, make sure there's no clutter. These are the things that can get forgotten over the winter, but make an immediate difference.

Get Everything Working. The one area you might want to spend a few dollars is in routine maintenance. Have a plumber fix that small leak you've been letting go, and get a Feasterville heating and cooling company to perform some yearly maintenance on your HVAC unit. Make sure that one burner on the stove comes back on and that sort of thing to prove that your home is well-maintained.