The regular cheap 30 day filters work great as long as you change them every 30 days. Don't buy the heavy pleated filters like the 3M filtre. We call those "furnace killer's" too much airflow restricted when you use them. Should only be one filter in the return duct either at the unit itself or in the hallway in the main return. The size will be on the old one. Also they are directional! The arrow on the filter must point towards the unit itself.

 

Great to know, about having the filter EITHER at the return OR at the unit.  I would think to filter both, not being HVAC trained.  And "el-cheapo" 30 day filters are fine, too? (as long as properly cycled)  Another handy tip, another thing I would have assumed incorrectly!

 

Thanks!

I have forced hot air and 2 dogs and I find very little fur in my filter. My returns are all 6 inches off the floor so that may be why. If your returns are floor mounted you will probably get more.

 

Get a good cold humidifier. Forced hot air is very dry.

The attic is actually (IMHO) very well insulated... I went up there after I had the keys and it was COLD (had the thermostat set to 65 and it was comfortable throughout the house.)  Even the pull down ladder is insulated!

 

Are LED the way to go nowadays?  I have CFL in my current home, and bought a LED bulb as a test, and it lasted 2 days in my kitchen.  Not sure if I got a bad bulb, or if it wasn't designed to be next to a higher heat output bulb, or what... but for $15 or whatever it cost I wasn't impressed.

 

Solar panels are a 'definite maybe.'  The positioning of the house on the property, and the fact that there are only two trees that I need to worry about has left it as a very possible option.  Did you purchase them outright or did you go through one of the companies that's trying to get in ahead of the fad?

 

BTW Thank you to everyone who has offered advice... it helps more than you may know!

 

You must have gotten a bad bulb, take it back - they have at least 5 year warranties on most.   I just installed a bunch of retrofit kits for recessed lighting.  They replace the trim on the existing can and seal flush so there is no air infiltration from the openings too.  They use about 20 watts and put out more light than a 150 watt incandescent flood bulb.  There is not a lot of savings compared to the CFL, but the CFLs don't put out the same amount of light and take a long time to warm up when very cold.  I hate the CFLs!

 

If you do solar but it outright.  Most of these "deals" on leasing are a great deal - but not for the homeowner.  You lock into a 20 year or more contract and they get most of the benefit.  The contracts can cause you issues if you ever go to sell the house.  Further most of them only give you a break on power rates and you have to pay them every month even if the system were to break.  Read the contracts very very very carefully!  Check out the NJ State Clean Energy web page for lots of info on solar.

I have forced hot air and 2 dogs and I find very little fur in my filter. My returns are all 6 inches off the floor so that may be why. If your returns are floor mounted you will probably get more.

 

Get a good cold humidifier. Forced hot air is very dry.

 

I've heard that forced hot air leads to a very dry house... is one humidifier good for the whole house?  I'll probably wait before deciding if I need one, but where do you suggest placing it?

You must have gotten a bad bulb, take it back - they have at least 5 year warranties on most.   I just installed a bunch of retrofit kits for recessed lighting.  They replace the trim on the existing can and seal flush so there is no air infiltration from the openings too.  They use about 20 watts and put out more light than a 150 watt incandescent flood bulb.  There is not a lot of savings compared to the CFL, but the CFLs don't put out the same amount of light and take a long time to warm up when very cold.  I hate the CFLs!

 

If you do solar but it outright.  Most of these "deals" on leasing are a great deal - but not for the homeowner.  You lock into a 20 year or more contract and they get most of the benefit.  The contracts can cause you issues if you ever go to sell the house.  Further most of them only give you a break on power rates and you have to pay them every month even if the system were to break.  Read the contracts very very very carefully!  Check out the NJ State Clean Energy web page for lots of info on solar.

 

I would have taken it back, but I bought it on a whim at Shop Rite and threw away the packaging and receipt thinking it would last.  A coworker of mine was about to go with a solar company, but decided not to after reading into it further, which is why I asked.

 

I will definitely have energy efficient lights in every socket; the higher output the better!  I work in no-light / dim-light all day and coming home to a poorly lit house would send me up the wall!

Great to know, about having the filter EITHER at the return OR at the unit. I would think to filter both, not being HVAC trained. And "el-cheapo" 30 day filters are fine, too? (as long as properly cycled) Another handy tip, another thing I would have assumed incorrectly!

 

Thanks!

No just one filter is enough two filters is too much restriction. Also fire extinguishers should have 3 one in the kitchen, one in the garage, one in the mechanical room. Another over looked thing is carbon monoxide detectors! Check the battery's if they have them. If you don't have any get them! At least one in the hallway of the bedrooms mounted low.

No just one filter is enough two filters is too much restriction. Also fire extinguishers should have 3 one in the kitchen, one in the garage, one in the mechanical room. Another over looked thing is carbon monoxide detectors! Check the battery's if they have them. If you don't have any get them! At least one in the hallway of the bedrooms mounted low.

 

Extinguishers are good to go... I'm an AWS certified welder with a NYC DOB license and FDNY Fire Watch cert... I get 5lb extinguishers from work and replace them every year.  CO detectors are also good to go.  Not one to take chances with that kind of thing.

 

Again, thanks for the input on the filters!

Also consider an Alarm system with which is obviously for burglary but get one such as the Honeywell Vista series that could also monitor for FIRE, carbon monoxide and water in basement if desired. You could start with Fire/Burglary and add the other components later. If you are a DIY guy and can install it yourself but if not whatever you buy make sure it is an “industry standard system” and could be monitored by any UL Listed Central station. Don’t get a proprietary system that could only be monitored a single company.  In fact you just make it a local only and not be monitored but I would not suggest that, plus if you are monitored you receive a small Insurance discount. If someone installs it for you make sure they give you the installer code which is different from master user code.  Good luck and congrads on being a home owner

I've heard that forced hot air leads to a very dry house... is one humidifier good for the whole house?  I'll probably wait before deciding if I need one, but where do you suggest placing it?

I had an Aprailaire humidier installed into the trunk return duct last time I replaced the furnace.  It only added a couple of hundred dollars to the project, and you can turn the water feed off for the warmer months.

 

Also, I don't think anyone mentioned a basic set of hand tools if you don't already have some.  The most useful tool I ever had was a basic 18v cordless drill/driver from Sears.  Eventually, a chop saw that changes angles will be useful for many trim and light construction jobs.  Then an air compressor is useful for all sorts things from airing up tires to driving a nail gun.

 

One last comment...I've found it useful to pop into Home Depot and browse the clearance rack whenever in the neighborhood.  Also, they often put some hot deals in the main aisle near the registers.  I wanted to add a battery backup to my sump for ease of mind, but I balked at the $400+ cost for the unit.  Lo and behold, there were two of them on a table marked down to $90 all in (marine battery and control units).  I kicked myself for not buying up both of them instead of the one I did get, and selling the other on CL.

Another time, they had a couple of Wagner power gun/roller units marked down from $130 to $49.95.  They went really fast on CL and everybody had a good deal.

For humidifier I recommend Aprilaire steam. But that's something you can add to the system down the road. Much better than a passive humidifier. They don't cool down your hot air and actually save money in fuel costs due to that.

Also consider an Alarm system with which is obviously for burglary but get one such as the Honeywell Vista series that could also monitor for FIRE, carbon monoxide and water in basement if desired. You could start with Fire/Burglary and add the other components later. If you are a DIY guy and can install it yourself but if not whatever you buy make sure it is an “industry standard system” and could be monitored by any UL Listed Central station. Don’t get a proprietary system that could only be monitored a single company.  In fact you just make it a local only and not be monitored but I would not suggest that, plus if you are monitored you receive a small Insurance discount. If someone installs it for you make sure they give you the installer code which is different from master user code.  Good luck and congrads on being a home owner

 

They (sellers) had an ADT system I think... big-ass control panel by the front door... a lot different than the panel my parents have at their home.  I'm definitely going to utilize an early alarm system, but as we all know the FIRST line of defense is inside the home.

I'm an elevator constructor by trade so I have a WIDE variety of tools at my disposal, but I definitely need triples of stuff for home, and house / car specific tools... (I keep doubles of all tools at work).  Hydraulic jack, oil drain pan, associated tools... I have a drill / driver set for home.

 

Air compressor is definitely on the 'eventually' list... the garage is wired for 220V, which I could use for a compressor or welder...

 

 

Air compressor is definitely on the 'eventually' list... the garage is wired for 220V, which I could use for a compressor or welder...

 

Or to recharge a Prius! 

 

The coolest house I've ever seen was an estate sale in Trenton, right next to the river.  This part of town was popular in the 20's with rich  bootleggers.  Real slate roof, butler quarters, fine woodworking every inch, a tunnel from a hidden room in the basement to the river to smuggle booze, and...an elevator running up all 4 floors!  I wanted that house so badly, but a half block away was the local crack gang headquarters.

They (sellers) had an ADT system I think... big-ass control panel by the front door... a lot different than the panel my parents have at their home.  I'm definitely going to utilize an early alarm system, but as we all know the FIRST line of defense is inside the home.

 

whatever works for you....

whatever works for you....

 

How do you mean?  I meant that the alarm will alert me to take action, and alert the local PD that they need to pick up a perp... or (if I'm not home) alert the local PD that I got robbed.

 

I'm not sure what you meant by your comment... was it referring to ADT?  If you have suggestions I'm all ears.

How do you mean?  I meant that the alarm will alert me to take action, and alert the local PD that they need to pick up a perp... or (if I'm not home) alert the local PD that I got robbed.

 

I'm not sure what you meant by your comment... was it referring to ADT?  If you have suggestions I'm all ears.

Just saying whatever configuration and notification method that works for you... In other words do you want all the bells & whistles or a barebone or basic system, that’s your call. Again congrads on the home

Congrats on your purchase.  Very exciting time for you.

 

Some cash reserves.  You'll need them it.  Something WILL break down at the most inopportune time.  Have at least $1,000 tucked away so you'll have it when you need it.

 

Battery charger and rechargeable batteries.  Especially one that accepts 9 volts.  When your smoke dectors batteries go they all tend to start doing around the same time.  You'lll save money in the long run between all the smoke detectors, flashlights and AA batteries in remotes / wireless toys.

 

Inexpensive weather stripping.  Install it on windows and door jambs.

 

Make sure your blade is sharpened on your lawnmover at least once a seaon.  Get a lawn seed / fertilizer spreader.  Put down fertilizer with crabgrass preventer when the weather starts to warm up.  Preventing the weeds from coming in is half the battle.  Apply feedings with a combination of weed control at least 2x a year to have a thick lawn to choke out weeds.  Don't bag your clippings.  The recylced grass clippings are one of the best sources of food for the new growth.  Don't use Scotts grass seed.  I've had better luck with Pennington, Rebels, Vigoro products.  In this area tall fescue is most common type of grass.  DON'T BUY CONTRACTOR GRADE grass seed.  It's mostly annual rye grass.  It will look great for most of the summer and next season you'll have pretty much nothing put dirt in your back yard.  Ask me how I know....

 

As others have said.  Garage sales are excellent way to find very inexpensive tools.

 

When something does eventually break down, Google how to fix it.  I've saved thousands by doing this.  Thought I would have to replace hot water heater and dishwasher more than once.  Turns out Google showed me simple fixes.

 

Again, congrats, good luck and we're here when you need us!

Congrats on your purchase.  Very exciting time for you.

 

Some cash reserves.  You'll need them it.  Something WILL break down at the most inopportune time.  Have at least $1,000 tucked away so you'll have it when you need it.

 

Battery charger and rechargeable batteries.  Especially one that accepts 9 volts.  When your smoke dectors batteries go they all tend to start doing around the same time.  You'lll save money in the long run between all the smoke detectors, flashlights and AA batteries in remotes / wireless toys.

 

Inexpensive weather stripping.  Install it on windows and door jambs.

 

Make sure your blade is sharpened on your lawnmover at least once a seaon.  Get a lawn seed / fertilizer spreader.  Put down fertilizer with crabgrass preventer when the weather starts to warm up.  Preventing the weeds from coming in is half the battle.  Apply feedings with a combination of weed control at least 2x a year to have a thick lawn to choke out weeds.  Don't bag your clippings.  The recylced grass clippings are one of the best sources of food for the new growth.  Don't use Scotts grass seed.  I've had better luck with Pennington, Rebels, Vigoro products.  In this area tall fescue is most common type of grass.  DON'T BUY CONTRACTOR GRADE grass seed.  It's mostly annual rye grass.  It will look great for most of the summer and next season you'll have pretty much nothing put dirt in your back yard.  Ask me how I know....

 

As others have said.  Garage sales are excellent way to find very inexpensive tools.

 

When something does eventually break down, Google how to fix it.  I've saved thousands by doing this.  Thought I would have to replace hot water heater and dishwasher more than once.  Turns out Google showed me simple fixes.

 

Again, congrats, good luck and we're here when you need us!

 

Thanks!  I do use rechargeable batteries currently... But the system I have doesn't do 9V batteries.  I think only one of my detectors at my current place uses a 9V battery; the others are AA.

 

I definitely want to fix a couple of spots in the back yard where they had their kids toys set up and the grass died, but that'll have to wait till spring I suppose.  I'm going to bookmark this page for sure!

Just saying whatever configuration and notification method that works for you... In other words do you want all the bells & whistles or a barebone or basic system, that’s your call. Again congrads on the home

 

Oh OK... I mistook the period of ellipses as meaning you thought my logic was flawed.  I see what you meant now!

If you need seed spreaders etc...lemme know. I have them and don't use them at all.

 

I have an acre and it costs the same to have somebody do it as it is for me to do it so.......

I've heard that forced hot air leads to a very dry house... is one humidifier good for the whole house?  I'll probably wait before deciding if I need one, but where do you suggest placing it?

Yes, 1 is good it goes on the ductwork near the blower.  Can easily keep a house in the 40-60 humidity range.  If you have forced hot air without a humidifier, wooden furniture is likely to crack.

I've heard that forced hot air leads to a very dry house... is one humidifier good for the whole house?  I'll probably wait before deciding if I need one, but where do you suggest placing it?

 

I use 2 stand alone units one in the bedroom and a larger one downstairs. There was a whole house unit at one time but it didn't work when I bought the house and when I replaced the furnace I was advised to take it out because it could cause mold in the ducts. That was 10 years ago so I'm sure there have been advances in the tech since then.

 

Others on here have suggested some units and I'm sure they are more knowledgeable than I.

For bathroom fans, install timers!!!!!!   That way they run during/after a shower and turn off themselves.  Makes for a much drier happier room.

For bathroom fans, install timers!!!!!!   That way they run during/after a shower and turn off themselves.  Makes for a much drier happier room.

 

She thinks it's a great idea, but I'm wondering if maybe the humidity from the showers will offset the need for a humidifier.  I'll definitely have to see how the house feels once we move in.

 

Thank you for the input!  Every bit of advice is welcome

And be prepared for these expenses that nobody ever seems to factor into the "I can own a house for the same cost as rent." Guys that rent don't pay for:

 

Lawn fertilizers

Appliance repairs

Clogged pipes and sewer lines

Ice dams (see last year)

Driveway sealing

Clogged gutters

Taxes going higher

 

Etc etc. I'm a very handy guy and do almost all of the above... But man it still adds up.

 

And now if you have more bedrooms and bathrooms you need to buy MORE stuff for them.

 

I enjoy my house immensely... But I just can't stand when people talk about the "rent vs buy" equation. I'd say all the money I've sunk into my house ( not just an addition I mean.. I mean plus all the regular maintenace expenses) I'd say from an equity factor I'm a little more than break-even. But if you factor in the decade of mortgage interest and taxes I'm way in the hole versus renting.

 

So many look at a house as an investment and think, oh it went up 25% over ten years I made money. WRONG. Add up all the mortgage and tax payments you made over that time and see if you are ahead. Because remember, you don't pay interest on a $350,000 loan on day one when you are renting.

 

Congrats on the new home. Get an alarm system. fad I don't think it's your job to introduce yourselves to the neighbors.. They should be welcoming you to the hood.

I use 2 stand alone units one in the bedroom and a larger one downstairs. There was a whole house unit at one time but it didn't work when I bought the house and when I replaced the furnace I was advised to take it out because it could cause mold in the ducts. That was 10 years ago so I'm sure there have been advances in the tech since then.

 

Others on here have suggested some units and I'm sure they are more knowledgeable than I.

Steam humidifier is the way to go for sure with a ducted system. And for mold growth in ductwork I install a UV light. Most of it happens near the AC coil from the condensation in the drip tray.

And be prepared for these expenses that nobody ever seems to factor into the "I can own a house for the same cost as rent." Guys that rent don't pay for:

 

Lawn fertilizers

Appliance repairs

Clogged pipes and sewer lines

Ice dams (see last year)

Driveway sealing

Clogged gutters

Taxes going higher

 

Etc etc. I'm a very handy guy and do almost all of the above... But man it still adds up.

 

And now if you have more bedrooms and bathrooms you need to buy MORE stuff for them.

 

I enjoy my house immensely... But I just can't stand when people talk about the "rent vs buy" equation. I'd say all the money I've sunk into my house ( not just an addition I mean.. I mean plus all the regular maintenace expenses) I'd say from an equity factor I'm a little more than break-even. But if you factor in the decade of mortgage interest and taxes I'm way in the hole versus renting.

 

So many look at a house as an investment and think, oh it went up 25% over ten years I made money. WRONG. Add up all the mortgage and tax payments you made over that time and see if you are ahead. Because remember, you don't pay interest on a $350,000 loan on day one when you are renting.

 

Congrats on the new home. Get an alarm system. fad I don't think it's your job to introduce yourselves to the neighbors.. They should be welcoming you to the hood.

 

Truth be told, I was one of those "I can own for the same cost as rent" people.  After looking over the numbers myself, it definitely costs more to own versus rent.  However, equity matters to me.  Moving to a better neighborhood matters to me.  The area I'm moving to is much more appealing than where I currently rent.

 congrats.. 

Lessons from someone who closed on their first in october... And still isn't in the damn thing yet

 

Whatever you think it'll cost times it by 3

Anything fixed will reveal two other problems

Anything the previous owners diy'd probably is a good tug from coming apart ( just had a light fixture come out of mu bedroom ceiling)

A lot of people will ofer to help, they all have some agenda, especially the Inlaws

Do it right the first time or else you'll do it again tomorrow

No matter how small that issue was said to be/ appeared to be your foot could wind up through the floor in your kitchen before you have time to say "it dosnt look to bad"

Don't ever underestimate the value of watching "this old house" on YouTube

Everyone on hgtv has a billion dollar budget or is full of shit. This is especially true when in laws watch hgtv

Don't be ashamed to contemplate how many guns/ammo/bikes/trucks/other cool shit you can buy with whatever the last house bill cost you.

That 5% off for a store card really does add up, but be sure to pay the frickin thing

Hope the house dosnt wind up as bad when you get old as it did for the last guy that lived there, realize it probably will then hope your dead before you notice

Lessons from someone who closed on their first in october... And still isn't in the damn thing yet

 

Whatever you think it'll cost times it by 3

Anything fixed will reveal two other problems

Anything the previous owners diy'd probably is a good tug from coming apart ( just had a light fixture come out of mu bedroom ceiling)

A lot of people will ofer to help, they all have some agenda, especially the Inlaws

Do it right the first time or else you'll do it again tomorrow

No matter how small that issue was said to be/ appeared to be your foot could wind up through the floor in your kitchen before you have time to say "it dosnt look to bad"

Don't ever underestimate the value of watching "this old house" on YouTube

Everyone on hgtv has a billion dollar budget or is full of shit. This is especially true when in laws watch hgtv

Don't be ashamed to contemplate how many guns/ammo/bikes/trucks/other cool shit you can buy with whatever the last house bill cost you.

That 5% off for a store card really does add up, but be sure to pay the frickin thing

Hope the house dosnt wind up as bad when you get old as it did for the last guy that lived there, realize it probably will then hope your dead before you notice

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