Premier Services for Your Home
Cold weather is just around the corner, which means it’s time to winterize your home. Projects such as caulking around windows and adding weatherstripping to doors can safeguard your home from freezing temperatures and save you money. “Heating your home is expensive, and you don’t want it to be leaking out,” says David Burrage with Andy OnCall. “If you think your home is losing heat, wet your hand and run it along the trim of your windows and doors. If you feel a breeze, fill those gaps!”
Breathe easier this fall by encapsulating your crawlspace, which helps to control the moisture levels in your home. “Not only will it improve your indoor air quality, but it also prevents mold, rot, and other damage,” says Marc Thompson of DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals. Encapsulating a crawlspace involves four major steps: cleaning and prepping (removing any contamination), air sealing the space, installing high performance vapor barriers along the walls and floors, and installing a dehumidifier to make sure the crawlspace stays dry for years to come.
Did you know that common allergens could be hiding right under your nose? “Your carpet acts as an air filter, just like your HVAC filter,” shares Ginger Kachline of Interior Care. “There can be an incredible amount of dry soil and allergens, including dust mites and pet dander, that need to be vacuumed regularly.” Moisture can also penetrate your carpets or rugs – causing mold, odors, and contamination that should be addressed right away. In addition to weekly vacuuming, experts recommend a professional cleaning at least once a year to maximize your carpet’s lifespan.
For older adults and those with limited mobility, it can be difficult to bend, twist, and reach into the back of cabinets. “This makes it a priority to store one’s pots and pans where they are safely accessible, and pull-out shelves do just that,” says Dave Holliday with ShelfGenie. Installing shelving to your existing cabinets and pantry allows you to reach your kitchen essentials with ease. And because they pull out, additional shelves can be added to increase storage space – meaning better organization and less stacking.
When choosing the right window coverings for your home, both form and function must be considered. “Using window coverings on your windows helps them look beautiful while protecting your room,” shares Chris Stephens with Sun Catchers. “They add value to your space and omit glare that is harmful to your eyes.” What’s more, the right window coverings will protect your valuable upholstery as well as your hardwood floors, carpets, and rugs from UV rays and the fading that comes with them.
Poor indoor air quality can have negative short-term and long-term effects on your health, especially for allergy sufferers. Installing an air cleaner, like Trane’s CleanEffects, can remove those harmful allergens and reduce your exposure to asthma triggers. “This is a powerful product we use in order to keep indoor air as clean as possible,” explains Corey Peters of North Georgia Heating & Air. “It’s the only air cleaner on the market that has been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.”
Pests like rodents, termites, and cockroaches can wreak havoc on a home that hasn’t seen treatment – causing structural damage and even disease. Fortunately, year-round pest control, plus small changes you can make at home, protects your home and your family. “Don’t leave dirty dishes in your sink, take the garbage out daily, and seal all exterior openings to your home,” Erik Gardner of Volunteer Rid A Pest, LLC suggests. When it comes to pest control, a proactive approach will save you money (and a headache!) down the road.
Does each foray into your closet turn into a scavenger hunt? If you’re struggling to find shoes, scarves, and other essential items, then a closet reorganization may be in your future – helping you to stress less and save valuable time. “There are many elements to consider when organizing your closet: measurements, colors, materials, etc.,” says Kim Campbell with Chattanooga Closet Company. “Your reorganization should always start with a purge and end with organizational tools that make the most of your space.”
We all know to avoid frozen pipes; if they burst, you could face thousands of dollars in damage. Fortunately, you can prepare your pipes for the winter season with just a few steps. “Remove, drain, and store your water hoses before a big freeze, repair any leaks in your pipes, and wrap pipes in unheated areas of your home with heat tape or pipe insulation,” instructs James Parker of Embark Project Services. You may even want to consider moving exposed pipes to further protect them from freezing temperatures.
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