The checklist: Handy, cost-saving home maintenance

Local 4's Nick Monacelli talks to the experts about what you should be doing in your home to cut costs and make your expensive systems last longer.

[wownewstome]

Oh no! Better advice: (..but first...Bravo for mentioning dryer fires!) Dyer Ducts: *replace with a solid, nonflexible metal duct with smooth walls, * as shown. Why? Flexible types are flammable, even if they are shiny like foil, and lint is trapped in nooks.

In many cases, dryer ducts need a swirling 4-inch diameter brush along with vacuuming, bcuz moisture sticks lint to the duct walls.

Don't forget inside the dryer!

*Lint can be ignited when on the motor, etc.* Unplug dryer and remove back of dryer. Vaccuum all parts, including around the drum.

Please read up on dryer fires. They cause deaths and quickly destroy homes.

*Never run a dryer while asleep* or away from home!

Heater or HVAC Air filters:

Change every 30-60 days. It depends on your home's dust level and shedding pets, any allergies to pollens or to pet dander, and how often your heater (or A/C) is used.

Look for an arrow showing which direction an air filter goes.

Frig:

Go with *manufacturer's instructions.* Surprisingly, they vary regarding dust on condenser coils.

[Jenniferlawren]

*Don't sleep on it...this is a time to invest I recently just bought another property valued at over $10m. I wish I knew the right investment firm to invest with earlier, better late than never thought..*

[brendaniebel]

Where's our fourth stimulus check we were promised in MI in October and who took our