How to Tips

Easy Home Repairs From the Handyman in St. Louis

Fix a loose door hinge. If the door is shaky, the hinge may be stripped. Spend a few dollars on a “stripped screw-hole repair kit.” Put the metal mesh in the hole, then insert a longer screw. You could save big bucks on new hardware, weather stripping, and even a new door frame later on.
Replace the central air/furnace filter. Make sure the filter is the correct size for the unit and that it isn’t clogged with dust. Regularly changing or cleaning the filter allows the unit to heat and cool your home more efficiently. Make sure to buy an upgraded “heppa” filter or double up on the regular ones for better filtration.
Replace traditional light bulbs with energy efficient ones, called compact fluorescent lighting. They’re more expensive, but can last up to 10 times longer than conventional bulbs. If you replace five light bulbs with CFL’s, you could save up to $60.00 a year.
Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s). Identify electrical outlets near kitchen or bathroom sinks and replace them with GFCI’s tp protect you and your family members from possible electrical shocks.
Replace an old shower head with a new energy-saving, low-flow one. Showers account for 17% of indoor household water use. A new shower head is good for both the environment and your water bills.
Replace you old “big gulp” toilet with a new water saving model.
Replace fence boards. Missing or damaged boards weaken a fence-and your relationship with the neighbors. Check the entire fence and note how many new boards you’ll need, as well as the height and width of each. Make sure to use galvanized screws that won’t rust.
Adjust your water heater temperature to 120*F. You’ll save money and still be able to clean your clothes and bathe without scalding yourself. Insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket. They come pre-cut and will help to keep the water hot, thus saving energy and money.
Keep your gutters and downspouts cleaned out to prevent interior water damage. Install a downspout extender out into the yard to disperse the rain water or install a barrel for collecting rainwater to use in your landscaping or garden.
These are just a few money and energy saving tips from the best handyman in St. Louis.
If any of these projects proves to be too much work, just call Andy’s Home and Business Repair for a free estimate!