Winter Seasonal Tips for Your Home

In Texas you never know what the crazy winter weather will bring, but one thing is for sure - your home is a major priority and investment. Here are #10TopTips for #LowCost maintenance of your home this winter.

Prioritized (of course)

1. Reset your outside lighting timers OR upgrade to smart switches so you can control your lights from your mobile app since it gets darker earlier.

2. Service Your Furnace professionally by a licensed HVAC Technician so that you don't have an emergency outage on the first day you actually have to use it! Also licensed HVAC contractors help ensure your warranty on your systems are in good standing! If you don't get your unit serviced by a professional you will be

3. Install Weather Stripping for air leaks - it happens to the best of us!

4. Swap out your lightweight curtains to heavy duty draft protection to shield you from the cool conditions

5. Install a programmable thermostat like a Nest or Ecobee that will ensure your home stays in an eco-friendly condition (not too hot, not too cold - just right!). If you already have a programmable thermostat, make sure the settings are adjusted for slightly cooler temperatures

6. Insulate Your Attic to keep consistent temperatures within livable space in your home

7. Replace your air filters so that any pollen or spring debris is eliminated and you have proper air flow

8. Lower your hot water temperature Hot water heaters typically are set at 140 degrees. Lower the temperature on yours to 120 degrees for fuel savings. You’ll reduce the chance of accidental burns, and the water still will be plenty hot for bathing, washing clothes and doing dishes.

9. Prep Your Plumbing Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing & don't forget to disconnect and store outdoor hoses, along with covering outdoor faucets with foam insulators. February is the coldest month in Texas!

10. Clear out Gutters to prevent ice spots! With the influx of weather if there are blockages in your gutter this break your gutters from your roof because of the weight in an isolated section

11. #BonusTip!! Install an Air Purification System like The REME HALO® is an in-duct air purifier that utilizes RGF’s proprietary Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy technology. Installed into the supply plenum of your existing air conditioning or heating system air ducts, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier produces Hydro-Peroxide plasma that is distributed through the air handler, through the duct system and into the conditioned living space. Unlike passive air technologies, which need pollutants to pass through the unit for purification or filtration, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier sweeps through your home actively purifying pollutants at the source. In addition, the charged plasma induces particles to coagulate or stick together making them bigger and easier for your filter to catch. Hydroperoxides occur naturally in the earth’s atmosphere and are part of nature’s process of cleaning the air. You can reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Eliminates odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms. Watch 2 minute video: https://youtu.be/ejpAHjli4zU **Only a licensed Electrician or HVAC Technician can install this product

12. #BonusTip!! Stock up on Cold Weather Essentials like batteries for your flashlight, a working flashlight, gallon of water, crackers/pantry munchies, an insulated blanket, gloves + socks + warm hat, rechargeable USB connected battery backup, a working USB cord with multiple plug types, First Aid Kit, Matches + Lighter + Candle, Hard Candy, Sand, Charcoal, Ice Scraper, Cooler to store everything above! That way, if you have an emergency - everything is at your finger tips!

Sources:

• https://www.consumerreports.org/home-maintenance-repairs/get-your-house-ready-for-winter/

• https://www.moneytalksnews.com/16-low-cost-ways-prepare-your-home-for-winter/

• https://www.libertymutual.com/masterthis/cold-weather-home-maintenance

• https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/protect-your-home-cold-weather-threats/