Dec 9, 2022 | Residential
Are you ready for freezing temperatures and winter storms? Get your house prepared for winter weather! Here are seven steps to ensure a cozy winter in your home!
- HVAC inspection
Keeping your HVAC up to date is vital so it does not fail when it’s freezing outside. Having a seasonal HVAC tune-up will increase the longevity of your HVAC. Changing the filters may seem too easy, but it will allow cleaner air and help the flow of your HVAC.
- Caulk windows and doors
Doing this will prevent cold air from sneaking in or water damage. Keep all the cold sealed out!
- Get your roof inspected
It is easier to fix a few damaged shingles rather than water damage over many spots on your roof. Winter storms can be harsh on your roof, so it is crucial to make sure there are no weak spots. Snow can get very heavy and will take a toll on weak or old roofs.
- Clean gutters
Doing this every season is key to ensuring your gutters and home are not damaged. If there are blockages and leaves stuck in the gutters, then adding snow could rip your gutters off from the weight. Cleared gutters will also help keep excess water from damaging your home.
- Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Your heating systems will constantly be running, so make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning peaks in the winter. Keeping extra batteries on hand for your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could be a lifesaver.
- Clean chimney & order firewood
If you have a fireplace, cleaning your chimney before winter will prevent chimney fires. Over time the burning of wood builds up creosote, which is very flammable and can cause a chimney fire.
- Shut down pool, sprinkler system & drain outside faucets
When the temperatures reach freezing or below, any water left in outside piping will freeze and can potentially crack the piping. Shutting down the outdoor drainage, sprinklers, and pool and covering spigots with an insulated cover will help prevent you from having to spend a lot more money on repairs or replacing them entirely.
P&R Property Consulting Group is here to help prepare your house for the winter to ensure you and your family stay warm and safe!
CDC Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/spotlights/cospotlight.htm
Aug 17, 2021 | News
It’s that time of the summer where the temperatures are high, humidity is in the air, and heat indexes are well over 100 degrees. During these high temperature, it puts a lot of risk onto construction workers. It is a physically demanding job so hydration and safety is essential. Below are options we like to take and also help out others working out on the field during this time.
OSHA GUIDELINES TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME HEAT:
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not wait until parches
- Flavored drinks with low sugar are good
- Avoid caffeine, drinks with lots of sugar, and alcohol
P&R PROCEDURES:
- Every company vehicle is to have a case of water for our employees and anyone on the job-site
- Always try to park in shaded areas as best as possible
- Take breaks when needed when working outside
- Water machine in office is always stocked
- Other drink options offered in the kitchen area
- Send weekly reminder to stay to stay hydrated and cool during these hot summer days
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Pre-hydrate in the morning before you leave to work
- Drink the amount that is right for you, usually half your body weight in ounces
- Drink electrolytes
- Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day
- Set an alarm to remind yourself to drink water and take a break to cool down
- Remember to eat
In the end, construction companies must always take dehydration and heat stress seriously. That’s why P&R implements their procedures during these hotter months to make sure our staff and others onsite are saying healthy and hydrated.
Contact us today for any weather-related issues and service needs!
Jun 4, 2019 | Maintenance
It’s that time of the year when the temps get unbearable and just setting foot outside causes you to sweat uncontrollably.
We can’t change the weather (unfortunately!), but we can help with some proven tips and tricks to keep your home cool while still being energy conscious:
- Turn off lights in your home. This is a easy step to take, but often over-looked. Keeping your lights off when not in use can help lower the warmth of a room, especially if the bulbs are incandescent. Another great tip, switch all your bulbs to LED!
- Reduce sunlight. Keeping out direct sunlight will help keep the temperature down. Install blinds or curtains and keep them drawn. Don’t forget to check your windows for any damage and think about replacing them if needed.
- Keep cooking to a minimum. Easier said than done, of course. But on those really hot days, opt to make cold foods (salad), grill out or use appliances that don’t heat up your kitchen so much.
- Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise. Reversing the rotation of the blades will help push hot air up towards the ceiling, helping you feel cooler.
- Use heat-emanating appliances at the cooler part of the day (night). Running your dryer at night when it’s cooler will help keep the temp down in your home.
- Open windows at night. If you live in a state that has much cooler nighttime temperatures, use it to your advantage and open your windows. Keep safety in mind and only keep upper windows open through the night.
Keeping up with the maintenance on your home will also play a role in keeping it cool and lowering energy costs with constant running A/C.
Replacing air filters, repairs to weather-stripping on doors & windows and regular HVAC tune-ups are all important steps to take.
Our Repairs & Maintenance Team can take care of all the maintenance needs of your home or business, while you sit back and relax in the cool, A/C air! Request a quote today!
