Archives for October 2021

Your appliances are an essential part of your home.

Unfortunately, major appliance repairs or replacements can take a large chunk out of your bank account. Replacing an appliance can cost thousands, but without them, your home would quickly become non-functional. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to reduce wear on home appliances and keep them looking and working like new. With proper care, you can keep them working for years to come.

The Fridge

Your refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in your home. Without it, any perishable food would quickly become inedible. To reduce wear on this important part of your home, try to avoid leaving the door open. While you’re contemplating which snack to choose, excess cold air is escaping, meaning that the compressor must work extra hard to maintain the proper temperature. It’s also a good idea to keep the top of the refrigerator clear of any surplus groceries—excess weight will prevent heat from escaping and force your machine to use additional energy. Be sure to vacuum out underneath and behind the refrigerator where the coils tend to trap excess dust and debris. See these professional tips on how to clean your fridge or other home appliances. 

The Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers are notoriously finicky—keep them running smoothly with regular maintenance. Hoses are particularly vulnerable to cracks or fraying, so check them often to ensure they don’t burst or leak. You should regularly inspect your dryer exhaust lint trap and vent going out of your house for excess lint buildup, which can post a risk for fires. Have it regularly cleaned by a professional. Check for any damage, leaks, or potential issues and take corrective action. It can also be helpful to run smaller loads in your washer and dryer. Overstuffing laundry machines will make them work harder, thereby expending more energy and accumulating wear more quickly.

The HVAC System

Defective furnaces and air conditioning units can cost you time, energy, and money. One of the easiest ways to preserve these appliances is to regularly clean the filters. If left alone, both furnace and A/C filters will collect large amounts of dust and dirt that hamper airflow and hinder efficiency. Fans should also be inspected on a routine basis to avoid costly malfunctions. Get in the habit of scheduling regular maintenance with your service provider, many of whom offer seasonal discounts, specials, or maintenance plans. For more tips on how to maintain your home and prep for winter months see Winter Home Preparation.

You can rely on Excelsior Homes West to design the home of your dreams.

We specialize in spacious, customizable manufactured homes delivered throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Call 1.800.547.4990 or send us a message at [email protected] to schedule an appointment with our sales team.

We Have Homes Ready for You

1190 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

We are excited to announce that we have a couple of set up and move-in ready homes available at Glen Knoll Park in Glencoe. If you are looking for an affordable singlewide manufactured home, you should definitely check out this great opportunity. 

Both homes are available to tour at Glen Knoll park in Glencoe
– $93,000 Completed

Learn more about Clayton Built Lifestyle 207 Homes

Images displayed here are not of the exact homes.
To set up a tour of the homes available, call Beau at 320-587-4990

Watch any home design show on television and you’ll hear the stars talk about “curb appeal”. But, what does that mean? Everyone wants their home to look as great on the outside as it does on the inside, while sending a welcoming message to all who arrive. However, it can be overwhelming to organize, design, and implement a domestic landscaping project. The good news? It doesn’t have to be if you follow these great Minnesota tips for landscaping. If you’re ready to tackle a landscaping project for your new home, read on for some helpful hints, tips, and tricks.

If all of your remodeling is on the inside but the outside of the house is challenging, you’ll never have a chance to even show the inside.

– HGTV

Plan Ahead

Planning is a crucial step of the landscaping process. A thorough game plan can help you avoid costly mistakes while also determining the best processes and materials for your landscaping job. Fully evaluating the job beforehand can also help you identify the best opportunities to cut costs, leaving you more money for ongoing maintenance.

Select the Right Plants for Winter

Use these Minnesota tips for landscaping when trying to select the right plants. Winters can be quite harsh—that is why it’s important to invest in plants for your home that will stand up to the elements. Homeowners looking for a splash of color should consider trees like blue spruce. They’re evergreen, so they’ll retain their verdant hue year-round. Another great option is red twig dogwood: while this tree will lose its leaves in winter, the branches will remain vibrant crimson. The dogwood will also sport some beautiful blooms come springtime. Your local landscaping company or greenhouse/nursery will welcome questions about the best perennial plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs to plant, along with the best time to plant and prune.

Top 5 Plants for Minnesota Winters

1. Winterberry – loses leaves in late fall and produces red berries into late winter. 
2. Witch Hazel – very fragrant smell during the summer and during the winter it produces red and yellow flowers 
3. Red Twig Dogwood – red branches in the winter (after it loses all of its leaves) looks beautiful next to evergreens
4. Snowdrop – blooms in late winter with white flowers 
5. Christmas Rose – not technically a rose, it blooms with white flowers in late December through early spring. 

Incorporate Modern Trends

Stay on the forefront of landscape design by investing in a few current botanical trends. Many residents of the northern areas of the United States, like Minnesota and North Dakota, are experimenting with drought-friendly landscaping ideas. As sustainability becomes more and more in vogue, many homeowners are choosing to update their landscaping to reflect a more environmentally-friendly outlook. You can do the same by choosing drought-resistant plants and ground cover, like fescue and other ornamental grasses. You can also use decorative rock to add interest and lower the yard maintenance. 

Are you ready to invest in a new model or manufactured home?

Don’t hesitate to call Excelsior Homes West at 1.800.547.4990 or send us a message at [email protected] to schedule an appointment with our sales team.