Thanks to Lennox for some more great tips!!

Unnatural Disasters

Oh, the humanity: Like a big-budget bad movie, many home disasters aren't tragic but simply unnecessary and a waste of money. From flames to flooding to creeping mold on your walls, here are some tips on avoiding some common failures, both the small and the blockbuster kind.

• Mold – Heavy rainstorms and warm and humid summer weather can cause mold and mildew to build up, as can moisture from building materials used in new homes. The immediate result is you'll feel sticky and uncomfortable. Next, musty odors build up, allergens spread and eventually you could end up with discolored walls and damaged furniture!Reducing moisture that mold spores need to grow reduces the problem. Cool air holds less moisture than warm air, so running your air conditioner can help reduce unwanted moisture. Installing a system designed to control moisture – like the Humiditrol® dehumidification system – removes excess humidity without overcooling your home. Also, if your home has a crawl space, spread moisture-barrier material over the ground. Concrete and absorbent brick can be waterproofed by applying a sealant.

• Fire – Summer is an excellent time to check your fire extinguisher, test the batteries in your smoke alarm and, if you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning before the heating season. Chimneys and wood stoves should be inspected and cleaned annually to eliminate creosote buildup. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and use only seasoned hardwood, as soft, moist wood can accelerate creosote.

• Flooding – Inspect your home's gutters three to four times a year, and remove any branches or dead leaves to keep unwanted rainwater from backing up into your home. Check your roof to determine if shingles or flashing need to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to check your attic for any sign of leaks.

• Heat wave – When summer heats up, your home's A/C needs a little TLC. Check your air conditioner's filter once a month, and replace as needed (at least once every three months), because dirty filters make the equipment work harder. Clear leaves, dirt and wayward plants from your outdoor unit's top grill and allow at least two feet of clearance each way.If you're considering a new air conditioner, choose an ENERGY STAR® qualified model to reduce cooling costs dramatically.

• Power outages – Summer storms or overloaded power grids can cause long-term outages that leave you in the dark, let food spoil, cause your air conditioner to go out and keep your sump pump from working.

Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand with plenty of bottled water, a battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries. Teach your family members how to shut off your home's water, gas and electricity in case of serious damage.

Installing a home generator – not a portable generator, which can be dangerous and difficult to operate – eliminates problems from power outages. These generators run on liquid propane or natural gas. When power is interrupted, the generator immediately detects the problem and automatically restores power in as little as 10 seconds, no extension cords needed.

Download a summer home maintenance checklist to help you keep your cool this summer and in the months ahead.