There are plenty of things we all put off doing, even if they save us money, or keep us
healthy. Turning back the clocks the night of November 1 st is a great reminder that it is
time to pay attention to 4 of these.

1. Change the filter on your furnace. And if it has been longer than a year, have a
licensed HVAC company inspect your system. This will allow your furnace to
“breathe” more efficiently, and perhaps lower your monthly bill. This is especially
important this year since we had weeks of poor air quality that carried ash and soot
to our homes.

2. Make sure your CO detectors and smoke detectors are functioning properly and are
in the correct locations. Here is what the California Association of Realtors states:
“State building code requires at a minimum, placement of carbon detectors in applicable properties
outside of each sleeping area, and on each floor in a multi-level dwelling but additional
requirements may apply depending on local building standards.”
“California Law requires that (i) every single-family dwelling and factory built housing unit sold on or
after January 1, 1986, must have an operable smoke detector, approved and listed by the State Fire
Marshal, installed in accordance with the State Fire Marshal's regulations…Some local ordinances
impose more stringent smoke detector requirements than does California Law. Therefore, it is
important to check with local city or county building and safety departments regarding the
applicable smoke detector requirements for your property.”

3. 90% of the time I walk through a property with a home seller to prepare for listing
the property, I find that the water heater is strapped incorrectly or that the straps
have shifted, loosened, or broken.
Here is what the California Association of Realtors states:
“California Law requires that all new and replacement water heaters and existing residential water
heaters be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to
earthquake motion…Some local ordinances impose more stringent water heater bracing, anchoring
or strapping requirements than does California Law.”

4. Clean your gutters and make sure your downspouts have extensions or diverters
that ensure water is not being poured directly next to your foundation.
If my 40 years of selling homes in this beautiful valley can save you time and money, please
pass this tip to your friends.
If you have a question do not hesitate to ask me.

Judy Naimo
Judy@JudyNaimo.com
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
License #00827675