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In this round of “Ask the Expert”, Shane Moore, Project Manager at Habitat Kent gives tips for simple home maintenance to make sure your home is ready for the colder months ahead.

Q:  As we head into Fall, what are some things people can do themselves to get their homes ready? 

Shane:  Summer and winter are great times to check your furnace filter. Filters should be checked every six months and replaced at least once per year unless it’s needed sooner. 

 

Q:  Why is it important to change furnace filters?

Shane:  Changing filters is really important for a couple of reasons. One, it will help your indoor air quality. It can also help your furnace run more efficiently. If a filter gets too dirty, it can cause the furnace to shut down or possibly seriously damage your furnace.

 

Q:  What kind of filter is needed?

Shane:  For most Habitat Kent houses built after 2007, the furnace filter is sized 20x25x5 and rated MERV 10. They can be found at either Habitat Kent ReStore location or your local home improvement/hardware store. These filters typically cost $35 each.

If your Habitat house was built before 2007 or for any other home, make sure to check your filter size before purchasing a new one. 

Q:  While we’re on the subject of filters, is there anything else homeowners should know? 

Shane:  Yes! Don’t forget to check your ERV (energy recovery ventilator) filters every three months to wash them, and replace them a minimum of once per year. Most Habitat houses built after 2007 have an ERV, as do a few built before 2007. The ERV helps ventilate your air-tight home for energy efficiency and comfort. When checking the filters, be sure to also vacuum out the inside of the box.  

 

Q:  How do homeowners find what type of filter they need?

Shane:  Most Habitat houses utilize two 10-1/2”x10-1/2”x1” EV130 filters. However, some houses will need two 9-5/8”x10-1/2”x1” EV90 filters. Check your ERV model number and filter size before purchasing. These can also be found at our ReStores or can be purchased on Amazon for $25 per 10-pack. 

  

Q:  Any last tips for the Fall? 

Shane:  With all of the falling leaves, sometimes they end up in your gutters. This can cause a clog. Don’t forget to clean them out. Blocked gutters can hold water and can be a home for insects, pests, and mold. Gutters help direct water away from your house reducing the risk of water damage.  

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  • 19 households become homeowners with your help: annual impact report 2022 November 18, 2022

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A Home Can Change Lives

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

  • Main Office:

    425 Pleasant St. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    (616) 774-2431

  • Main Office Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 10am – 2pm*

    *Visits at all other times are by appointment only.

  • ReStore South: Division

    5701 Division Ave S
    Wyoming, MI 49548
    (616) 531-4591

  • ReStore North: Alpine

    5920 Alpine Ave NW
    Comstock Park, MI 49321
    (616) 647-9292

  • ReStore Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • ReStore Donation Drop-Off Hours:

    **PLEASE NOTE: DONATION HOURS CURRENTLY VARY DUE TO STAFFING

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

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Introducing Abby Langenberg, Habitat Kent’s New Construction & Warehouse... hope + opportunity = stability: annual impact report 2021
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Interested in this house? Get a pre-qualification letter from a participating mortgage lender participating within our program requirements:

  • Mercantile Bank, Staci Nichols
  • Choice One Bank, Bonnie Potter
  • Mortgage 1, Dan Grzywacz , or
  • Click here to see a list of MHSDA-approved lenders

Veteran Homeownership Application Request

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Group Interest Survey

  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County provides a variety of volunteer opportunities which can vary depending on the group size, age restrictions, season and general availability. Construction opportunities are full day commitments. Should you prefer a partial day activity or volunteers to work in shifts you will be scheduled for specific tasks or in one of our 3 ReStore locations.
  • Age restrictions apply to certain projects and will be enforced. Most tasks require volunteers to be at least 16 years old. Specific jobs may allow other ages. These restrictions will be indicated by a member of the volunteer services department when a date is offered.
  • Please acknowledge that you understand groups may not be confirmed until 30-60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE AGREED UPON by our volunteer services department. Due to the volume of requests for volunteer opportunities, we will ask that you agree/disagree to the date we offer within a week’s time (unless otherwise noted in our email). This ensures we can look for an alternative date if necessary and place you within a timely fashion.
  • After the completed form is submitted expect to be contacted by a member of our volunteer services department within one week.