Circle up gang for the last blog post of 2013.  Below is a list of 5 ways you can improve your home for under 25 USDs.

1.) Install stainless steel washer hoses.  Such a no-brainer I can’t even stand it.  Rubber hoses have a very high failure rate — like me in high school.   When they fail, they cause catastrophic water damage in your basement.  (Unlike failing Algebra 2 which caused no catastrophic damage whatsoever, Mom & Dad!)  If you have rubber hoses that burst, everyone on the street will know it because of the dumpster in your driveway filled with drywall & carpet.  Also, I will probably blog about it.

Stainless steel hoses have a burst-resistant design and will automatically shut the valve if water pressure becomes too high.  Hoses take 5 minutes to install.  Don’t let this be you.

2.) Install a carbon monoxide detector.  I’m a big fan of Staying Alive…

and CO detectors help you do that!  Sure they only make a loud beeping noise and don’t sound as good as the Bee Gees.  But the point is staying aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive…

3.) Upgrade your kitchen & bathroom electrical outlets to GFCI.  GF say whhhat?

Quit playin.  You know GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.   GFCI outlets shut off an electric circuit when water is detected.  Helps prevent electrical shocks around bath tubs and sinks.  The most common thing I see on home inspections is owners needing to upgrade to GFCI.  Here’s what they look like:

4.) Change your HVAC filters.  If you have a forced-air heating system, you should be changing your filter every month.  If you’re not, just let me know and I can wear a SARS mask next time I come over.

5.) Install LED lightbulbs.  LEDs will only save you a few bucks a year in energy costs but can last 10-25 times longer than your grandfather’s incandescent lightbulb.  Produces 75% less heat too.