Five BBQ Safety Tips

With spring here and me craving a nice BBQ buger I thought it only fitting to discuss BBQ safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Check for gas leaks at least once per season. With the barbecue valve "OFF" and the propane valve "ON" spread a soapy solution on the hose fittings and valves. Bubbles indicate a leak. Replace or repair the part before using your BBQ.
2. Insects (especially spiders) love propane and will make nests and webs inside the flame tubes. With a small brush or pipe cleaner be sure to clean the tubes regularly to prevent blockages that may cause a fire.
3. Always light a gas BBQ with the lid open. If you need to use a match, have it burning before you turn the gas on. If the BBQ doesn't ignite, turn the control valves off and wait a few minutes before trying again.
4. Never BBQ indoors or in a garage. Keep the grill at least three feet from the house on a level surface when in use. Keep kids and pets away.
5. Inspect your BBQ inside and out. Clean any blockages and replace any missing or worn "O" rings on the gas hose. Keep the BBQ free of dust, dirt and rust and replace any old or corroded burners.
There are thousands of people injured each year as result form improper BBQ use. Follow the tips above and you won’t be one of them.

I pull out all the stops to sell your home.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR ®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Brush Away the Cobwebs With a Good Spring Clean

With that fresh spring feeling in the air, why not clean your home inside and out to prepare for the warm weather ahead! To make things easier on yourself, map out where you’re going to clean first and ensure you have all your cleaning supplies on hand before you start. Don’t forget the smaller items like paper towels and household gloves.

Have the checklist below handy when cleaning the inside and outside of your home and make sure you involve the whole family! So what are you waiting for? Open the windows to air out the house, turn on the music and get started!

Inside:
• Go through your closets and if you haven’t worn an item in a while then donate it to charity.
• Hold a garage sale – get rid of junk and make some cash at the same time!
• Vacuum beneath all furniture – you’ll be amazed at what you find!
• Arrange for a spring inspection of your air conditioning unit.
• Give your floors a good wash.
• Everyone’s favorite job -- clean your oven and microwave!
• Go through your books and magazines and donate whatever you've already read to charity.
• Organize CDs, DVDs and videos -- you’ll probably find that old CD you thought you’d lost!
• Dust out all your cobwebs -- you’ll find many lurking around your lampshades.
• Sort and clean out cupboards and drawers in your kitchen and bathrooms. Get rid of junk and out of date products.

Outside:
• Wash windows inside and out. I know fun, right.
• Clean and repair outdoor furniture.
• Tour your home’s exterior and make a list of any seasonal maintenance that’s needed.
• Check the roof for winter damage such as leaks.
• Set up your barbecue and make sure you have a full tank of propane.
• Inspect bushes, shrubs and other landscaping. If you’re a gardener, make a list of what shrubs, annuals and perennials you’ll be buying this spring and where you’re going to plant them.

With these chores now under your belt, you can really look forward to enjoying the sunny weather that’s just around the corner. Now that your BBQ’s set up and the backyard’s looking good, why not invite some friends over and enjoy the tastes of summer! I will look forward to your call :)

I pull out all the stops to sell your home.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR ®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Give Your Furnace a Tune-Up

The old adage "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" should not apply when it comes to your household heating system. Like a car, your furnace is a running machine that needs regular tune-ups to ensure its efficiency and longevity. You wouldn't wait more than a year to give your car an oil change, so don't wait until your furnace breaks down to call for service. A clean, well-adjusted heating system will save you money on fuel and will prolong furnace life. The cost of annual servicing is modest, especially when compared with the price of a new furnace!
Replacement of the air filter on a forced air furnace is only a start. There are a number of components in your heating system that requires regular inspection and maintenance. They are the heat exchanger, ignition system, fan, motor, bearings, belts, pumps, controls, exhaust, burners, pilot, thermostat, chimney and more.
This season, be sure to give your furnace a tune-up! Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician. They will be able to identify problem areas and will recommend solutions that will ensure your year-round comfort.
I pull out all the stops to sell your home.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR ®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.