Seven Steps to Winterize your Home

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!

  1. 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.

  1. Caulk windows and doors

Doing this will prevent cold air from sneaking in or water damage. Keep all the cold sealed out!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

Spring Time – Cleaning & Organization

We are finally seeing some nice weather changes up ahead. Warmer temps bring the blooming of flowers and the urge to refresh our surroundings.
Being proactive now can help save you time and money in the future. Completing a clean-out & organization every 6 months can make all the difference to your wellbeing. Therefore, Spring & Fall are the typical and perfect time to get started.

Landscaping:

  • Fertilize and seed where needed and think about installing a sprinkler system for easier maintenance.
  • Seasonal plants and shrubs should be planted after the last frost of the winter. Although Mother Nature likes to throw curveballs our way, the mid-to-end of March is usually a safe bet.
  • Replace or replenish flower beds with mulch or pine straw and prune those bushes ready for their rapid growth.
  • Add a fresh “Welcome” sign and some updated LED or SOLAR walkway lights to finish the newly updated look.

Exterior of the Home:

  • Powerwash siding & walkways. It will refresh the outside of your home and set it up for welcoming the summer.
  • Clean your gutters and down spurts from any lingering Fall leaves and debris.
  • Consider having your roof and attic areas inspected for any damage from the harsh winter weather.
  • Do a thorough walk-round of the homes exterior to check for any issues that may have been caused during the cold season.
  • Inspect your decks and patios for any rotting wood or mold and replace your outside furniture as needed.

Interior of the Home:

  • Inspect and change as needed the batteries of smoke & carbon dioxide detectors.
  • Change air filters regularly. Spring brings with it pollen and allergens galore!
  • Inspect and clean your windows inside and out.
  • Clean the dust and accumulation from ceiling fans that will likely have built-up with lack of use.
  • Consider adding some fresh coats of paint to certain rooms to lighten them up.
  • Clean & organize your pantry and refrigerator.
  • Give your garage or outside storage some love with a good clear out.

Our repairs & maintenance team are available to knock-out many of these tasks before they become a bigger problem, preventing stress or worry on your part. Lastly, consider our disinfecting service to get your home sanitized with ease.

Disinfection specialist wearing protective gear sanitizing a window in a residential living room for property hygiene and cleanliness.

Contact us today to see how P&R can help keep your home or business in tip-top shape.