Before and After: Turning Your College Apartment into Home

You’ve just moved in. There are boxes everywhere, your TV is leaning against the wall, and your new desk is still in pieces. You’ve got classes starting next week, and the last thing you want to spend your free time doing is wrestling with an Allen wrench or figuring out which wall anchor won’t rip a hole in your drywall.

That’s where we come in. In just a few hours, our team can transform your space from “move-in chaos” to “move-in ready.” Your TV? Mounted safely and perfectly level. Your pictures and posters? Hung straight and secure; no more 2 a.m. crashes to the floor. That pile of furniture parts? Turned into a sturdy bed, desk, or bookshelf that’s ready to use.

We even take care of the little thing; tightening loose handles, anchoring tall shelves so they won’t tip, and making sure your space feels safe, functional, and yours.

College life is busy enough without spending days setting up your apartment. Let us handle the heavy lifting (and the toolbox) so you can focus on settling in, meeting friends, and starting the semester off right.

Text/Call 864-532-5365 to schedule your student move-in package today.

Email info@perennialhomemaintenance.com

Or visit us online at www.perennialhomemaintenance.com

The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Laundry Room: Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Is Critical

Your clothes dryer is one of the most convenient appliances in your home. Toss in a load, press a button, and in under an hour—warm, dry clothes. But behind that ease lies a potential fire hazard that many homeowners overlook: the dryer vent. Dryer vent cleaning isn’t just about faster drying times—it’s a matter of safety, efficiency, and long-term appliance care. Let’s break down why every homeowner should clean their dryer vent regularly.

What Is a Dryer Vent, Exactly?

While your dryer’s lint trap captures some of the fibers from your clothing, it doesn’t catch everything. The rest travels through a vent duct that leads outside your home. Over time, lint and debris build up in this duct, restricting airflow—and that’s where the problems start.

Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Matters

1. Fire Prevention

This is the #1 reason to clean your dryer vent. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause nearly 3,000 home fires every year, with the leading cause being failure to clean the vent system. Lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates near heat, it can ignite. Regular cleaning removes this fire fuel and keeps your household safe.

2. Improved Dryer Efficiency

When lint clogs the vent, your dryer has to work harder to push out hot air. That means longer drying times and higher energy usage. You might even notice clothes are still damp after a full cycle. Cleaning the vent restores proper airflow, improving performance and reducing wear and tear.

3. Lower Energy Bills

A clogged dryer vent can make your machine run 2–3 times longer than necessary. Multiply that over a month or a year, and you're paying much more in electricity or gas. Clean vents = shorter cycles = lower costs.

4. Extended Appliance Lifespan

Straining your dryer with every load shortens its life. Motors wear down, heating elements overheat, and parts fail faster. Regular vent maintenance allows your dryer to operate smoothly and last longer.

5. Prevention of Mold and Mildew

Restricted airflow can trap moisture inside the dryer and vent system. This creates a humid environment perfect for mold growth, which can leave clothes smelling musty and pose health risks.

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Not sure if your dryer vent is clogged? Look for these warning signs:- Clothes take longer than usual to dry- The dryer feels unusually hot to the touch- A burning smell when the dryer is running- Excess lint behind the dryer or around the vent outlet- The vent flap outside doesn’t open properly during use

How Often Should You Clean It?

Experts recommend professional dryer vent cleaning at least once a year. If you have a large household, use your dryer frequently, or have pets (which contribute hair and dander), you may need it cleaned every 6 months.

Can You Clean It Yourself?

Basic maintenance like emptying the lint trap after every load is essential—but deep cleaning the vent system usually requires special brushes, vacuums, and access behind the unit. In some cases, the vent runs through walls or the roof, which makes DIY risky and less effective. That’s why many homeowners rely on professional services to do it safely and thoroughly.

Let Perennial Home Maintenance Handle It

As part of our subscription maintenance plans, we inspect and clean your dryer vent annually (or more often if needed), helping you avoid fire risks and costly breakdowns. We use professional-grade tools to remove lint buildup from deep within the ductwork, leaving your appliance safer, faster, and more efficient.

Don’t wait for a warning sign. Stay safe, save money, and protect your home with routine dryer vent cleaning. Call us today at 864-532-5365

Learn more at www.perennialhomemaintenance.com

The Annual Home Maintenance Guide Every Homeowner Needs - Because small issues today can become big headaches tomorrow.

Owning a home is one of the most rewarding milestones in life. It represents stability, pride, and a space that’s uniquely yours. But behind the charm of cozy dinners and perfectly manicured lawns lies a quieter truth: a home doesn’t take care of itself. Every season, your house weathers temperature shifts, moisture changes, wear and tear—and if you’re not paying attention, minor issues can quickly snowball into costly repairs.

That’s where annual maintenance steps in. Think of it like a yearly physical for your house. These routine checkups can extend the life of your systems, improve safety, preserve your home’s value, and most importantly, prevent surprise repairs that seem to pop up at the worst times.

Yet most homeowners struggle to keep up. The list is long, the tasks feel technical, and life is busy. But a proactive approach to home maintenance doesn’t just save you money—it protects your most valuable investment. Here are the most essential (and often overlooked) tasks every homeowner should make time for each year—and why they matter.

Why Annual Home Maintenance Matters

Preserves Home Value: A well-maintained home holds its value over time and makes a strong impression if you ever decide to sell.

Prevents Emergencies: Regular inspections catch small issues—like slow leaks or loose wiring—before they become disasters.

Boosts Efficiency: Systems like HVAC, plumbing, and appliances all work better and use less energy when they’re properly maintained.

Keeps Your Family Safe: From fire hazards in dryer vents to carbon monoxide leaks, regular upkeep ensures your home remains a safe place to live.

15 Essential Annual Maintenance Tasks (and Why You Shouldn’t Skip Them)

1. HVAC Tune-Up & Air Filter Replacement

Servicing your heating and cooling systems yearly improves efficiency, reduces energy bills, and ensures you're not left sweating—or freezing—when you need them most. Clean air filters also improve indoor air quality.

2. Dryer Vent Cleaning

This one’s about safety. Lint buildup can create a serious fire hazard. A professional cleaning not only protects your home but also helps your dryer work faster and more efficiently.

3. Septic System Treatment & Inspection

Out of sight, out of mind—until there’s a backup. Annual treatments and inspections can prevent expensive (and messy) surprises.

4. Plumbing Check-Up

Slow leaks under sinks or behind appliances can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage. An annual inspection spots these issues before they escalate.

5. Ductwork Inspection

Leaky or dirty ducts reduce airflow and drive up energy costs. A quick annual check can improve comfort and cut your bills.

6. Gutter Cleaning & Downspout Check

Clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of roof leaks and foundation issues. Regular cleaning protects your roof and keeps water flowing where it should.

7. Caulking & Weather Sealing

Windows and doors are common sources of energy loss. Re-sealing them keeps your home cozy and your utility bills in check.

8. Fireplace & Chimney Inspection

Before lighting the first fire of the season, make sure your chimney is clean and clear of creosote buildup, which can ignite and cause chimney fires.

9. Electrical Safety Check

From outdated wiring to overused outlets, an annual inspection ensures your home’s electrical system is up to code and safe.

10. Appliance Tune-Ups

Dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers last longer when maintained. Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent breakdowns and improve performance.

11. Water Heater Flush

Sediment collects at the bottom of your tank over time, reducing efficiency and heating power. Flushing your water heater once a year can significantly extend its lifespan.

12. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Testing

Your first line of defense in an emergency. Make sure alarms are functional and batteries are fresh.

13. Foundation & Crawlspace Review

Catching small cracks early can prevent costly structural repairs down the road. Moisture or pest problems often start here, too.

14. Exterior Power Washing

Mold, mildew, and grime build up on siding and driveways. A yearly wash boosts curb appeal and helps your exterior materials last longer.

15. Tree & Shrub Trimming

Overgrown limbs can threaten your roof, siding, and power lines. Regular trimming keeps your landscaping healthy and your home protected.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Perennial Home Maintenance Handle It For You.

At Perennial Home Maintenance, we know life is busy—and that your weekends should be spent enjoying your home, not crawling through your attic or climbing ladders. That’s why we offer subscription-based maintenance plans tailored to your needs:

The Season Guard Plan – Quarterly visits with seasonal upkeep and essential maintenance

The Evergreen Plan – Monthly service for proactive homeowners who want every detail handled

The Fix List – A la carte repairs and services, right when you need them

With every plan, you get professional service, prioritized scheduling, and peace of mind—automatically.

Serving Anderson, SC and surrounding areas

Call today: 864-532-5365

Learn more: www.perennialhomemaintenance.com