10 Things SoCal Homeowners Should Consider
There is nothing quite like the beauty of southern California living. However, when you buy a house, there are multiple factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you settle into your new home.
1. Use Alternative Ways to Cool Your Home
For those hotter summer months, you may find yourself cranking up the heat. Keep in mind this can increase your energy bills. To reduce costs, consider installing a whole-house fan. They blow out hotter air from the attic and pull in cooler outside air from the windows.
They also can help your air conditioner run more effectively. Whole house fans are also more energy-efficient while providing constant air circulation.
Along with these fans, here are some other ways to help cool down your home:
- Close your blinds
- Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise
- Insulate your attic and walls
- Do your baking and washing at night
- Shut doors to unused rooms
2. Fix Your Leaky Water Heater
Your drain valves may leak occasionally, but these can easily be replaced. Although, when your tanks begin to leak, this could cause more significant issues. Common causes of leaks include older age, loose drain valves, or too much pressure in the tank.
Water tanks are typically made of glass-lined steel. When the glass becomes cracked, the steel can start to rust, creating puddles on your floor. If left untreated, the cracks can continue to grow.
Once you identify a leak, call a specialist immediately. This will prevent future damage and save you money on expensive repairs down the road. Plus, you can use some of the cash saved to take your family on a trip to Disneyland.
3. Lock Your Windows and Doors During the Day
When rushing off to work in the morning, you may sometimes forget to lock your door. You might even want to keep the windows open to let in some fresh air while you’re away. To protect your personal belongings, lock your doors whenever you leave your house.
This is especially important if you live in a desirable neighborhood, such as Santa Monica.
Here are some other tips to help further secure your home:
- Secure the door
- Lock the Windows
- Light up Your Landscape
- Set up a security system
- Lockdown your wifi network
4. Remember to Replace Your Furnace Filters
If you live a more fast-paced lifestyle it can be hard to remember to replace your furnaces. However, leaving them untouched can lead to poorer indoor air quality and higher energy bills.
To help you keep up with maintenance, consider pre-buying a year’s supply of filters. You want to change them at least every three months, depending on your strainer type.
5. Shut Off Your Main Water Valve When You Go On Vacation
It is essential to know the location of your main water valve to avoid flooding. Being able to access and turn it off quickly saves you valuable time if any issues arise. It’s also good to know the location of the valves when you’re going on a family trip. Turning it off protects your personal belongings in case a pipe bursts while you’re gone.
6. Know Where Your Property Lines Are
When owning a property, you want to be aware of where it begins and ends. This information comes in handy if you want to build a fence or plant trees on your residence. Keep in mind; you may be required to have a fence if you install a pool in your backyard. To find out where your property lines are, you can request a plot plan from city hall.
7. Go For a Timeless Design
Remodeling can be a costly and time-consuming project. To help minimize renovations, design with styles remaining popular over the years. While you may want your home to feature updated designs, remember trends change over time.
Here are some timeless design tips to consider incorporating into your home:
- Design with symmetry in mind
- Incorporate classic patterns, like botanicals, stripes and plaids
- Decorate with furniture that has clean lines
- Remember less is more
- Paint walls with natural colors
However, you should add your personal touches to your space. Just keep in mind you’re style preferences may change with time.
8. Always Measure When Buying New Appliances or Fixtures
This is a critical step to ensure your appliances fit within the designated space. It also saves you the hassle of returning the item to the store and purchasing a new one. Before going to the store, measure your current appliance and the space the new one will go.
9. Consider Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are a more eco-friendly way to power your home. Plus, you might as well take advantage of all that sunshine. Along with the environmental impact, you can also save money. Since the panels use renewable energy, your electricity bill may decrease. You can even earn some extra cash. There is a 26% tax credit for solar systems installed on residential properties.
Before you purchase your solar panels, consider these different factors:
- Solar panel efficiency
- Durability
- Ratings and reviews
- Warranties
- Overall quality
10. Use a Programmable Thermostat
To keep your indoor temperature comfortable, consider installing a smart thermostat. This device allows you to set your ideal temperature schedule. Also, the thermostat helps to save energy reducing your heating and cooling expenses. Some models can even be controlled by your smartphone, providing more convenience.
What to Consider When Owning a Home in SoCal
Living in California has many perks, such as warm weather and a more luxurious lifestyle. Although, when it comes to purchasing a home their multiple things to keep in. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind as a homeowner.