Winter is here, and even in a place with milder temperatures, preparing your home and lawn for whatever Mother Nature throws your way can give you and your family peace of mind. Since it’s hard to tell when a more serious freeze or winter storm will pop up, it’s important to get your home prepared early. No matter what comes your way, there are critical steps you can take to be ready.
Heating System
If your heater smells when you turn it on for the first time of the season, that’s a good reminder of the importance of having your HVAC serviced before temperatures dip. Fall is a good time to contact a licensed professional for a tune-up on your heating system. Just as a service call in the spring gets you ready for the blistering summer, a check before winter helps your entire HVAC system run more efficiently. A unit that is functioning at peak performance can even save you money.
Something else that could help you pay less for heating costs is a programmable thermostat. Using one makes it easy to customize your temperature settings, like lowering it a few degrees while you are at work or sleeping. It is important to set the thermostat above freezing inside even if you aren’t home for long periods of time. You don’t want your interior temperature to dip below 50 degrees in the case of a severe winter storm, as this could cause your pipes to burst.
Cozy Up the Fireplace
Whether you have a fireplace that runs on gas or a traditional wood-burning fireplace, it is important to have a licensed professional give it a thorough once-over. They can check for any necessary repairs or cleaning before chillier weather sets in. In wood-burning fireplaces, you can get a buildup of creosote, which comes from burning wood and can turn your warm and cozy fireplace into a fire hazard. Finally, it’s important to have an expert check the chimney to ensure no animals have made it into their home.
Create a Solid Seal
Cracks in caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows not only let cool air out in the summer but also create drafts that let in the freezing temperatures. That’s not all that can sneak in through these cracks. Rodents use them as a passage into a warm place to settle down for the winter: your home.
Call a licensed professional to do a thorough check of all your home’s windows and exterior doors. They can suggest and perform any repairs that will help tighten up your home and save money on heating costs.
Ready Your Roof
While you have a pro checking out other areas of your home for winterization, have them check out the roof as well. Any missing or damaged shingles are the perfect spot for snow and ice to settle in. These can cause water damage once the snow melts. A check on any old water spots in the attic or on your ceilings will give you a good idea if something is not right up top. The expert can also check your attic vents for any signs of mold or mildew—usually a sure sign there is a leak somewhere.
You should also have any leaves and other debris that have settled on the shingles swept off, and the gutters should be cleared out. It’s a smart idea to have any trees that have branches hanging near or over the roof trimmed back. This lessens the risk of any of them falling on your roof in a winter storm, which can cause a lot of damage.
How To Winterize A Garden
When the fall growing season is over, you will want to prep your landscaping for the colder months. Pulling weeds and adding a good amount of mulch will help set you up for spring and give any hardy bulbs you have planted a cozy spot to weather the winter.
Bring any potted plants inside when a freeze is in the forecast, especially those that are more tender such as succulents. You will want to cover plants in the ground. Talk to a lawn care professional to see what plan of action would best fit your landscape. They can even write up an estimate and perform all needed lawn care for you.
Preparing for a cold winter that might not arrive is far better than leaving things to chance. Protect your biggest investment, your home, with professional assessments and maintenance.
ABC Can Help You Winterize Your Home
Making sure that your garden and home are ready for the winter is a lot of work. When you need a hand, contact the experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our experienced professionals can make sure that your lawn and heating system are ready for a winter storm. We can also provide any repairs that are necessary following a storm.