Though the recent weather may not give the impression that winter is on its way, the calendar is a stark reminder that winter, and the accompanying holidays, are fast approaching. Many people are making their holiday travel arrangements now and, if you’re like me, your home is going to end up being the hub of the excitement during the next few months. You’ll be entertaining on an almost weekly basis once Thanksgiving gets here and won’t have time to come up for air until late January. Also, if you’re like me, you’re currently finding a ton of small items all over the house that need attention before this whole crazy holiday things hits. From general maintenance (can’t have the heat going out on Christmas Eve!) to some simple facelift items (a dab of paint here, some new caulking there) there are many things you can do to keep your home beautiful and safe during the winter months. Below are a few tips that can help save you time and money as well as ways for keeping your home safe the whole year through.
For more detailed items such as finish carpentry (moldings, casings, etc.), new cabinet hardware, new plumbing fixtures, new doors, ceiling fans, extra outlets, lighting, tile/grout repairs, grab bar installations, deck and patio cover work and much more give us a call at 714-558-1094 for a consultation!
Make sure you print out your coupon from the weekly blog email we sent for a special offer on the above services! (if you didn’t receive a coupon please let us know and we will send one out to you asap!)
T Have your heating systems inspected by a qualified service professional at least once a year including lubrication and cleaning, replacing filters, a check of belts and thermostats and having vents cleared of obstructions, as necessary.
T Make sure window air conditioners do not allow cold air to sneak through or around sides, top and bottom. Local hardware stores can provide covers and other easy, low-cost ways to keep that cold air out.
T Caulking around windows and other openings can stop the cold air invasion dead in its tracks. A warmer home and lower utility bills can result.
T When using a portable electric heater, keep flammable materials – bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture at least three feet away, even if it has safety features such as cut-off switches or heating element guards.
T If you use an electric blanket to keep warm on a cold night, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you turn it off and unplug it when it’s not in use.
T Install a smoke alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Test it monthly to ensure it is working properly. Be sure and change the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year.
T Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
T Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed. Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire. Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches-pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor’s roof, or nearby trees.
