Even though the weather is still hot, cooler weather is right on its heels and winter will be here before we know it. Don’t let yourself be blindsided by frigid cold temps. Instead, be prepared for winter weather by following these helpful tips designed to prepare you for the bluster of winter before its arrival.

Clean Gutters

Your gutters can take a beating during the long winter months which is why it’s important to have them ready before cold weather strikes. Prep your gutters by having them cleaned out so that there is no debris in the way that could cause damage to your home when winter arrives.

Service your HVAC

The last thing you want to happen is have your HVAC system break down during a frigid January day. Prep your HVAC system by having service done on your unit. You can search hvac maintenance chicago to find skilled professionals to do the job so that your system is ready and running in tip top shape on those cold blustery days.

Seal Your Home

A major source of energy loss in people’s homes is from gaps and cracks around the home. These issues could easily be mitigated if you take some time to do some basic sealing around your home. Do a walk through of your property to check for any cracks, gaps, or holes that may be contributing to energy loss. Have them sealed off so lower those energy bills and make your home less drafty in the winter.

Mulch Leaves

If your backyard accumulates leaves throughout the year, one of the popular things homeowners do is rake them up and get rid of them in the fall. However, it can actually be beneficial to mulch those leaves right into your grass before cold weather arrives and the ground freezes. Mulching your leaves can provide your soil with extra nutrients and is much less labor intensive than raking.

Follow these tips and you’ll be ready for winter in no time.…

Your home is your castle, right? You pay the rent or the mortgage or the property taxes, you have the key to the front door, you choose which persons and pets gain admittance, and so you may be under the impression that the place is yours. And you probably don’t want to know how many hundreds or thousands of tiny creatures are pretty sure this territory is theirs, thank you very much. But since you’re ultimately responsible for the space, it’s good to know who you’re sharing it with.

Bugs You Can’t See

The super-stealthy squatters are the ones that do the most damage. Termites and carpenter ants dallas or may be gnawing away at your home’s infrastructure right this very moment. Meanwhile, bed bugs, lice, and fleas may be chomping on you and your pets while staying well hidden. If you see any signs of these hidden hordes, get them taken care of right away, because they’re not going away on their own.

Bugs You Wish You Didn’t See

The ants crawling all over your counters, the fruit flies sharing your lunch, the silverfish hanging out in your tub, the mites sifting through your flour—these petite pests don’t make their presence much of a secret. While they may have significant scare or “ew!” value (why hello there, Mr. Cockroach!), their damage is more localized. They’re not going to knock your house down, but they’ll certainly get on your nerves.

Backyard Bugs

Oh, you want to go enjoy your backyard? The bees, wasps, flies, and mosquitos who’ve set up residence there may have something to say about that. Whether they choose to bite you or just land on your plate of barbecue, they’re going to make it clear that you’re invading their territory.

Some of your buggy roommates will have to be evicted by a professional exterminator. Others, you may take more of a live-and-let-live approach to. You’re not getting rid of those dust mites very promptly, are you?…

Residential buildings are usually at risk of burglary. In fact, home burglaries make up for 67.2% of all burglaries, according to recent FBI statistics. While you might believe installing a security system will cost too much and require you to severely modify your home, this is not the case. There are simple practices you can take to improve the security of your home without changing too much in it.

Inspect the Doors and Windows

The biggest points of entry in your home are the doors and windows. When they work properly, they control the individuals, air and sunlight that go in or out of your home. Inspect every window or door in the residence and look for holes, cracks or weak locks. Replace and repair as necessary, not only to secure the residence, but also to make the outside look better.

Install and Maintain Fences

While most homes depend on complex cameras and alarm systems to enhance security, sometimes all you need is a trusty fence. A fence will establish a physical boundary for your property. You can choose between a vinyl, chain link or wood fence kissimmee fl, among others. If you have one already, inspect it and perform maintenance as needed, as any damaged fence can compromise security.

Eliminate Hiding Areas

One security blind spot for most homeowners is hiding areas or spots throughout the house. These areas usually emerge when shrubbery is too long or is improperly spaced. Trimming this shrubbery will not only discourage intruders from using these areas to sneak in, but it is also an essential landscaping practice that will bring some order and structure to your home’s outdoor area. You should also purchase AR-15 magazines and other arms to bolster the security.

Improving your home security does not always have to be a complex or high-tech endeavor. Simple practices such as these serve as both home improvement and a security boost for your home.…