What?

Did that just say Winterize your Home….in Arizona?

 What on earth is winterizing a home in Arizona? Is there a change in seasons?  As small as the weather changes are it is still a great time to check up on a few items of business to keep the house in tip top shape. So, when the pumpkin spice latte’s hit and little tricker treaters start haunting, it’s a sure sign that the holidays are fast approaching. Activities and home needs will soon be changing. This is a great time to make sure you will be snug as a bug and safely protected throughout those rough, hard to handle Arizona Winters. 🙂

We recommend a checklist of to-do items to keep your home running efficient and safe throughout the winter

 Winter Checklist

• Furnace or heat pump– Inspect furnace or heat pump for carbon monoxide leaking. Service to make sure it is clean and in good shape. Clean and replace that dirty furnace filter.

• Programmable thermostat– Set your settings to automatically lower the temperatures at night and when you are not home. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal temperature for the best sleep is 60-67 degrees. BRRR! If you don’t have a programmable thermostat we suggest you buy one as having one can result in considerable overall savings.

• Ceiling Fans– Put ceiling fans in reverse. This will create an updraft to push warm air down. This is especially beneficial and saves energy if you have high ceilings.

• Fireplace– Make sure your fireplace and other heating appliances are clean and in good repair.

• Smoke Detectors– Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.

• Range hood– Clean range hood filter.

• Dryer– Check and clean dryers exhaust ductwork and vent for lint and debris.

• Fire Extinguishers– Install or inspect fire extinguishers.

• Water Heater- Cover water heater with insulation to keep your water heater protected and easier to keep water hot. Install a timer for extra cost efficiency.

• Doors & Windows– Check all doors and windows for gaps. Caulk and weather strip if needed. Your greatest energy loss will be from windows, doors, attics, fireplaces.

• Garbage Disposals– Check garbage disposals to make sure they are functioning properly.

       Outdoors

• Stairs & Railings– Inspect and repair any loose railings, boards, and steps.

• Driveway– Check and seal any cracks in the driveways and walkways that are a trip hazard.

• Trees– Trim any trees touching the house and other necessary landscaping

• Yard– Fertilize the yard

• Sprinklers– Check sprinklers and irrigation system are working properly

• Pool- Close up the pool

• Crawl Spaces– Secure crawl spaces to prevent animals from nesting.

• Outer building– Inspect outside of the house for cracks and repairs.

• Roof- Check roof is in good condition

• Landscape Lighting– Check that all landscape lighting is functioning properly or consider installing lighting if your home does not already have properly lit walkways.

                  We hope you enjoy the Arizona winters!

Need help? Give us a call today for free estimates.