Why Your Home Works Harder When the Weather Changes

Seasonal shifts aren't just about wardrobe changes — your home feels them too!

When it comes to how we use our energy around the house, we often think about what we have plugged in. But energy usage is just as much about what time of day we use things and what effects the weather and seasons are having on our home. There are even studies being done that show how the weather around us affects our day-to-day energy usage.  This week, we are looking at some of the weird ways that the weather can affect your home and your appliances.  Stick with us to find a things you might not have heard before. 

How Temperature Affects Your Energy Usage.

Surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, temperature has been found to be the most important factor influencing energy usage at home.

Believe it or not, our eco-conscious choices very easily go out the window during summer. We focus throughout a lot of the year on making responsible choices but then when it gets hot, all we can think about is cooling off. (And given the temperatures we're already seeing just in April, who can be surprised?)

The appliances and electronics around your home are much the same. The hotter it is outside, the harder they work because the cooling systems inside them have to struggle to get them cooled off. It’s even worse if they are coated in dust, which is why we always advise cleaning the back and sides of your appliances every season. 

How Humidity Affects Your Energy Usage

High humidity can also affect how much energy your home is using as dehumidifiers are energy hungry. 

Courtesy of minipuddel

The more humid it is, the warmer we feel. Research has shown just a 10% increase in humidity leads to increased AC usage.

And The Seasons Affect Our Energy Usage.

The light levels outside also affect our energy usage during winter. We want more light and the only way to get that is by turning one on. Especially with overcast and cloudy days that are common during the season.

Appliances In General 

Believe it or not your electric water heater is typically the second highest energy consumer in your home. The only thing that beats it out is your HVAC system. On standard a family of four with a roughly 50 gallon tank, we'll use 3,200 kwh per year. 

Courtesy of mikhail-nilov

That is far above anything else in your home. The closest is your refrigerator and freezer which is 350 kwh. Then comes your dishwasher at 200, your oven at 130 and your washing machine at 100. 

Your refrigerator will also struggle when it's more humid as it works to combat moisture and prevent spoilage.

During spring, the filters for our HVACs and air purifiers need to be changed out or cleaned regularly because of the high pollen count. If those filters get clogged, they have to work harder and will start to eat power. 

It's also important to take good care of your washing machine right now, as most of us look at spring as the time to refresh all of our bedding and clothes. Especially when we're switching out between wardrobes. Which means that your washer is doing a lot of work. 

During summer, your HVAC can easily end up being half of your electric bill as we struggle to combat the high heat and humidity of the Dallas area.

Your electric company will often charge you by time of use or you might see it on your bill as t o u. They measure and charge based on what time of day it is and the demand on electricity. Peak hours during the summer are typically between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. . This is where tips like using your washer and dishwasher at night come from.

 If you’re reading this because your electric bill has gone up in recent months and you still can't figure out why, after reading this article, give us a call. It could be that your appliances are struggling in some other way. You can reach us via our website or by giving us a call. Appliance Rescue Service will always work with you to try and find a time and date that works best for you for when we can send out our technicians to get your home running smoothly again.

As the weather heats up, don’t let your appliances work harder than they need to. If anything in your home isn’t keeping up, Appliance Rescue Service is just a quick call away!

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist 

Quick Fix or Costly Mistake? Myths About Appliance Repairs
Pre-Vacation Appliance Prep: Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Avoid Costly Repairs with These Must-Do Tasks

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home—inside and out. Here’s what every homeowner should do this season.

Although it feels like winter has already left us here in Texas, in theory spring is not here yet. But as the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to refresh your home and shake things out after being inside all winter. The transition isn't just about spring cleaning, it's about ensuring your home is in top shape to prevent expensive repairs down the line. From the roof to the foundation inside and out here's our spring guide for getting your home ready for warmer months.

Exterior Maintenance: Protecting Your Home’s First Line of Defense

Roof & Gutters: Inspect and Clear Winter’s Aftermath

After months of exposure to harsh winter weather, your roof and gutters need attention. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles, as these can lead to leaks that compromise your home’s structure. If you do  notice sagging, or any signs of water damage, call a professional before small issues turn into costly repairs.

Courtesy of 123switch

Gutters and downspouts also take a beating during winter. Here, you'll need to clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, including foundation problems and basement flooding is left in tended.  If you haven't already, consider installing gutter guards to make upkeep easier.

Windows & Doors: Improve Efficiency and Let in the Light

Let's move on to windows and doors. With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to prepare your windows and doors for fresh air and sunshine. Inspect seals, weatherstripping and caulking for cracks or gaps that could allow cool air to escape, leading to higher energy costs. Re-caulking these areas helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. (And given our location, we need all the help we can get.)

Courtesy of Pexels

Give your exterior windows a thorough washing to remove winter grime and improve natural light. Also, check window and door screens for any tears or damage—repairing them now will prevent pests from sneaking inside when you open your home to spring breezes. The great news is that if there are any small tears, you can now buy patches instead of having to replace the full screen. 

Driveway & Walkways: Repair Winter’s Wear and Tear

Most cracked sidewalks will be smaller than this, but it's worth checking.

Cold temperatures and moisture can wreak havoc on your driveway and walkways. You'll need to look for cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces that could become safety hazards. Sealing and repairing these issues early will prevent further deterioration and ensure safe passage for your family and guests. 

Outdoor Faucets & Sprinklers: Restore Water Flow

If you turned off exterior water sources for the winter, now’s the time to turn them back on. You'll also want to remove any foam protectors that you placed, as during warm months, those can be top homes for bugs and mice. Check for leaks in outdoor faucets and hoses, and ensure your sprinkler system is working properly. If you do have a sprinkler system, take the time to adjust the coverage to make sure all of your lawn gets water. 

Yard & Landscaping: Refresh and Revitalize

Winter can leave your yard looking a little worse for wear. Before you start gardening, you'll want to get it cleaned up. Start by removing debris such as fallen branches and leaves. Prune overgrown trees and hedges, especially those near your home, to prevent damage from high winds during spring storms. Adding mulch and ground cover will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds—refresh these areas for a polished, healthy landscape. 

Interior Maintenance: A Fresh Start for Your Living Spaces

HVAC System: Prepare for Warmer Days

Courtesy of Chad Populis

Let's get the biggest task out of the way first. Before the heat of summer sets in, you will want to schedule a professional inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and prevents breakdowns during peak usage. While you wait for that date to roll around, you can replace your HVAC and furnace filters to improve air quality and keep your home comfortable.

Kitchen & Appliances: Deep Clean and Maintain for Efficiency

Your kitchen appliances work hard year-round, and spring is a great time to give them a little TLC. Clean the range hood and vent filters to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard. (Especially after all of the heavy foods from the holidays.) You'll also want to check and clean your dishwasher and washing machine filters to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.

Courtesy of Kristoferb

Your refrigerator also needs attention—vacuum the coils to improve efficiency and check that the seals are intact to maintain proper cooling. If you have a chest freezer, warmer days mean it is easier to defrost it if ice buildup exceeds 1/4 inch. After all, spring is a great time to start laying in pre-made meals for less cooking during summer. 

Bathrooms & Plumbing: Prevent Costly Water Damage

A few simple checks can help avoid plumbing headaches down the road. Start off by inspecting your pipes for leaks and weak water pressure. You'll also want to clean the sink and shower drains to prevent any clogs. It's also an ideal time to descale your shower head, as it should be done once a quarter. 

General Home Upkeep: Refresh Your Space

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about maintaining your home’s condition, especially after being inside and with guests all winter. Take this time to wash sofa covers, wipe down walls, and remove scuff marks. These small touches can make your home feel bright and renewed.

By tackling these maintenance tasks early in the season, you’ll ensure a smooth transition into spring and summer. A little effort now can save time, money, and stress in the long run—helping you enjoy the warmer months with peace of mind.

If you find that any of your appliances are giving you trouble, you can reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. While we aren't great at spring cleaning, we are fantastic at keeping your appliances running while you do. Even better we will work with you to find a time that best fits your schedule this spring for our technicians to visit. You can reach out to us at our website or give us a call to get started on scheduling a maintenance visit.

Website

Call

Courtesy of Monika

Additional Reading

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

2024 Kitchen Trends: What Lived Up to the Hype—and What Fell Flat

From outdoor living to bold appliances, we’re breaking down which 2024 kitchen trends lived up to their promise—and which ones missed the mark.

Every year, the design world teases us with big promises for the trends that will dominate our homes. In 2024, these predictions painted a bold vision of where kitchens, living spaces, and appliances were headed. But now, with 2025 in full swing, it’s time to ask: did these trends deliver?  From redefining the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living to embracing bold colors and biophilic touches, 2024 brought us a mix of inspiring trends and practical innovations. 

But not every idea hit the mark! In this round-up, we’re diving into the hits that elevated our homes and the misses that made us shake our heads. Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen, revamp your outdoor space, or simply keep tabs on what’s in and what’s out, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights—and the ones we hope won’t make a comeback.

Flew

Outdoor Connections

The line between indoor and outdoor living has never been blurrier—and we’re here for it! From outdoor kitchens to springtime living room,  connecting these spaces has made our homes even more expansive. Whether it's hosting a summer barbecue or starting your day surrounded by an oasis, this trend turns your home into a destination. When you add in phantom screens for ultimate flexibility, you've got the perfect blend of function and beauty.

In 2024, experts predicted that indoor-outdoor living would reach new heights, with seamless spaces becoming the ultimate luxury feature. And they were right! 

Lighting Enhancements

With the enhancements in lighting over the last few years, layered lighting is having a moment. You have task lighting for precision, accent lighting to make the mood, and massive windows for natural brilliance. What  really makes the difference, is tunable lighting. This is more than just being able to say Alexa turn the lights blue. This is white lighting that lets you shift between cool or warm, natural or artificial. It's incredibly beneficial, energy efficient and surprisingly helpful  in making a space suit your needs. 

2024 promised advancements in lighting technology that would transform the way we experience our homes—and tunable lighting has delivered. 

Induction Cooking

If you've read our 2025 trends article then you know that induction cooking is the cooking trend of the year. We are quite excited to see this technology stepping into the spotlight and are excited to see the way that it changes kitchen safety in the years to come.

A sleek and lovely induction stove courtesy of Rangemaster

When 2024’s kitchen trends forecasted the rise of induction cooking, it seemed like a tech-forward dream. Now, in 2025, it's clear the buzz was well-deserved.

Low Maintenance Minimalism

In 2024 minimalism was everything. More importantly though and the key difference here, was that it wasn't just about making your kitchen empty. It was about making your life in the kitchen easier. Functional layouts and fewer nooks to clean means you spend the time in your kitchen enjoying the space. 

Minimalism wasn’t new in 2024, but the shift toward functional simplicity was a predicted game-changer—and it’s delivered.

Courtesy of KIron SajoL

Universal Design

Although not directly relevant for us, a growing trend that we noticed in 2024, was how many people are adjusting their homes to a universal design. People are once again focusing on aging in place and staying in the home that they're in throughout multiple stages of their lives, if not all of them. But that includes more than just our elders, that also includes design for if you sustain an injury and need mobility aids for a time. Universal design works for everybody and means that your home isn't just beautiful it's functional and this is a trend we hope continues for many years.

 The prediction that more homeowners would adapt their spaces to fit all life stages has proven true, with functional, inclusive layouts now more common than ever. It's a trend that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics alone, and one we hope continues to grow.

Small Space Solutions

2024 marked the beginning of appliance manufacturers delivering on small clip powerful appliances. We're seeing half fridges, drawer dishwashers, and countertop ovens that are just as powerful as a standard size. This makes living spaces more versatile and able to be used for multiple functions without losing necessities.

Predicted to gain traction in 2024, compact yet powerful appliances have carved out their place in 2025. 

Punches of Color

We are so happy that people were bringing in color left right and center in 2024! White and gray and stainless steel and flat neutrals is boring let's be real. With as much time as we spend in our kitchens it should be full of bold vibrant colors, or comforting pastels, or whatever else takes your fancy. Whether it's wrapping your oven in the hottest shade of Barbie pink you can get your hands on, or purchasing a stunning cobalt blue Smeg fridge, it adds joy to the space.

Color was expected to make a triumphant return in 2024, and homeowners didn’t disappoint! Bold hues and pastels have replaced the monotony of neutrals, breathing life into kitchens.

Bringing Nature Into Your Home

Let's be honest: was as much time as we spend at our work we could all use more nature in our lives. The design concept biophilia isn't just a trend that has been growing, it is becoming a lifestyle, even a movement. It's natural woods like oak and walnut paired with living walls of moss and succulents. Some are starting to shed the sterile nature of their kitchens to embrace a lived in warmth. Bonus points for the way this makes you want to stay and spend time in these spaces.

What Flopped 

 Sustainability Ascendant

 Pause for a moment. How many times have you asked yourself, or the salesperson, ‘how was this built’ or ‘is it made from sustainable materials’ ? Go ahead, we’ll wait.
Now, we are ALL for the idea, but it should be a standard part of all things, not something that’s added to your bottom line as part of a marketing line. 

While 2024 brought more discussions about sustainability, the reality is bittersweet. The idea of eco-friendly materials has yet to become a universal standard, often showing up as an added cost rather than a baseline expectation. We hope this evolves into a lasting change rather than remaining a buzzword. 

Multizone Adjustable Refrigerators

We love this idea, legitimately. And, we want to say that as a concept, the multizone refrigerator is amazing. We have to point out though that making the zones more flexible also presents an issue for keeping your fridge food safe. 

Dark Matte Finishes

This. Just no.
Think about how hard it is to keep a stainless steel appliance clean. Dark appliances, specifically matte ones, are so much worse. Most cleaning sprays leave behind residue. It’s meant to be a protective coating typically. But on a dark matte surface? You end up getting dingy appliances very quickly. This is going to lead to one of a few scenarios. 

• You have to clean twice. Once with your cleaner of choice and a second time with water to remove that residue. 

• An entire new industry pops up to charge more to a targeted niche, and you pay more. 

Predicted to be sleek and modern in 2024, dark matte finishes have proven impractical in real life. 

Sleek Built-In Styling

This is great in the moment. BUT if you want to fix it? If you want to change things out? Hidden appliances are going to end up being a nightmare. 

Built-ins were forecasted to dominate in 2024, but as predicted, they come with a hidden downside—difficulty in repairs and upgrades. 

Steam Revolution & Sous Vide 

Ahh we love these so much.  They’re fantastic! Especially from a health perspective. However. If it’s too complicated, how many of us walk away from a complicated tool? 

Predicted to revolutionize cooking, steam ovens and sous vide systems have incredible potential, but their complexity has limited their appeal. Many homeowners love the health benefits but admit they can be intimidating to use, proving that ease of use is still a major factor in adoption.

What We Want Gone 

Composting Emerges 

Courtesy of Couleur

This just isn’t safe. This is /asking/ for your kitchen to be a germ and pest magnet, no matter how  much you clean it. This should not be on the counter. It shouldn’t be under the counter. Compost should be outside. At that point, we’re fine with the idea! We’re all for composting and growing your own garden. Just don’t keep compost in the kitchen. 

Smart Features With Connectivity 

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

Smart features are great.  They can save a lot of time, but… the focus for everything is on either solving problems we don’t have or on creating problems.
Also at what point do we stop adding smart features? Is it when a power outage means you can't do anything in your house? Is it when the features become so invasive that somebody hacking your printer can lead to them knowing your bank details? Or maybe it's when we get to the point that the power grid cannot go 24 hours without failure?

As we step further into 2025, looking back at 2024's home trends is a lesson in how the design world evolves. Some trends exceeded expectations, becoming everyday staples, while others fell short or created challenges we didn’t anticipate. The good news? Homeowners have more options and inspiration than ever, from universal design to nature-inspired spaces. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help ensure the appliances at the heart of these trends are running smoothly, so your home continues to be a place of beauty, comfort, and function. Whether you're embracing the next big thing or sticking with the classics, we’re here for every stage of your home journey.

2025 Home Design Trends: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Minimalism, Multifunctionality, and More—Trends to Watch

It's the beginning of another year, and once again we have predictions about the trends that are to come. Now these are not just our ideas but also those from people around the web. We have searched high and low to see what designers think are going to be the next great trends for decorating your home.

Minimalism - More and more designers are saying that the appliances of the kitchen will fade into the background. Instead of being able to see your appliances as separate parts within your kitchen everything will fade together. With the rising prevalence of panels intended to cover your appliances, soon there won't be a difference between your cabinets, your walls and the appliances within your kitchen. Kitchen handles are also vanishing into the appliances either by becoming recessed and less obvious in the design, or by being removed entirely. Finally appliance garages are expected to become even more popular this year. People are finding it useful to have a drawer or cabinet that they can put their small appliances into when not in use. 

Courtesy of Samsung

Multifunctional - More appliance manufacturers, like GE, Meile and LG are combining what their appliances can do. Making ovens that also include air fryer features, or dishwashers that can do more than one load at once are examples of this. Some others we’ve seen in previous years, are washer/dryer all in ones, and steam ovens that are capable of steam cooking, baking, roasting and menu cooking, without allowing flavor transfer.  

Courtesy of Moen

Smart Sinks - Smart sinks are becoming a thing this year. They are expected to be controlled by voice and hand gesture. So that you'll be able to say bottle 98° and get an exact amount of water that is the perfect temperature for making a baby bottle. You can also wave your hands to one side or the other to turn on the hot or cold water. We aren't certain yet how many manufacturers will make the jump to this but we do expect to see more availability this year. A brand to check out is Moen’s Smart Faucet.

Sustainability and Energy Usage - These are going to become even more of a talking point for new appliances this year. People are becoming more and more aware of and concerned about not just how much energy their appliances are using, but how they were made. Expect to see this raised as part of marketing during the year ahead. 

Color - Wanting color in your kitchen is nothing new, although small appliances are increasingly getting in on the action. What is more interesting to look out for is that it’s not just major designers, manufacturers, and celebrities who are affecting the choices; it's also social media influencers and their communities. An example of this is how pastel green is soaring in searches this early in the year, when the ‘Colors of the Year’ from Pantone and others are not even close to that.  

Smaller Major Appliances - For those living on their own, or just in smaller homes, smaller appliances are becoming more common! Now, we’re not talking about your coffee pot or an instant pot. No, we mean that major appliance makers are starting to offer their units in smaller dimensions, with equivalent power to their lager siblings.

Courtesy of Rangemaster

Induction is in Demand - last year we talked a bit about induction stoves and how they were starting to really gain traction. They have officially hit the point where everyone is talking about them, and everyone wants them. You’re going to be see many more options for induction stoves starting this year, and that’s going to trickle down to other things like technology, cleaners and dishes that will work with them.  

Stainless Steel is heading out - While it still hasn’t left the scene completely, stainless steel is no longer in the spotlight when it comes to appliances. Many brands are looking for alternatives, including several which are now offering matte black appliances.

Bold cabinets- -More people are getting bored with basic builder grade cabinetry. And this year we are going to see more and more people painting and covering their cabinets. We're expecting to see more examples of how to apply contact paper and peel and stick paint in the year ahead.

As you explore the trends shaping the way we live and design our homes, remember that staying ahead of the curve doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything. Sometimes, it’s about blending the new with the tried and true to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether you're upgrading to sleek, hidden appliances or choosing to embrace bold, personalized cabinetry, the goal is always a home that works for you. And when it comes to ensuring your appliances can keep up with these changes, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From maintenance to repairs, we’re your partners in keeping your home running smoothly as it evolves with the times.

Additional Reading

Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Bright Ideas: The Dos and Don'ts of Smart Lighting in Your Home

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Essential tips to prepare your home for winter weather.

Winter is just around the corner and we’re excited!  Finally our favorite time of the year, when it might finally be cold enough we don’t have to have the HVAC on all day! No, no, we’re joking. We know as much as you do that winter in Texas can be a bit weird. Some years we don’t drop below freezing, and other years we get tons of snow dumped on us. Since we can’t tell what winter will bring, we’re going to go over the full list of ways to prepare your home for winter. 

This time, we’re starting inside the house. We’re looking at everything that  needs to be done at least once a year, since we really don’t want to go outside right now. 

Let’s start by tackling the fans. If you forgot to do it in the fall (or didn’t need to yet) now is the time to switch your fan to rotate clockwise. This will force the warm air downwards and help keep you warmer. 

Next up, let’s hit the kitchen for a few things.

Here you’re going to want to 

Change the air filter on your refrigerator. It should be done at least every six months, and since we last did it in summer, now is the ideal time.  Look inside your refrigerator towards the back top of the inside, and that is where most filters are located. 

Change the water filter on your refrigerator. This one is an every six months task in most households, but for some it’ll be every six. Either way, for most you’re still going to be looking inside the refrigerator towards the top.  Many times it’s a matter of popping down a hatch and twisting to remove the old filter. Keep a cloth handy as it can make a bit of a mess. 

While we’re still poking at your refrigerator, take a few minutes to clean the coils. This is another one of those quarterly tasks, and somehow we still forget it. All you need is your vacuum and a brush attachment to be able to reach back behind the fridge and brush everything down. Once you’ve given them a good scrub, you’re good to go for another three months. 

Now let’s go over to your furnace and change the filters there. Since we don’t handle furnaces we can’t give you any generaltieis on where a filter will be located, but your manual should have it handy. 

Now let’s take a wander around the house. If you’re easily chilled you can do this without anything, if not, you might want to bring a candle with you. We’re going to be looking for drafts. 

As you wander see if you find any areas near doors, windows or exterior walls that are unusually cold, or where your candle flame wavers. You want to find the drafts, mark them with a pencil and then when you’re done you can come back and start the next step.
That next step is going to be one of three things. 

• Caulk or patch the hole in question. 

• If there isn’t a hole, it’s just an old window, you might consider putting up some window film for the winter. 

• If it’s a wall rather than a window, you might consider that the insulation in that area is poor and you’ll need to find out a) why it doesn’t have any, such as pests, and b) how to go about replacing or adding it.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Adding in various forms of insulation will make a huge difference in keeping your home warm this winter. Even just small tips like patching interior holes and putting film over or in the windows can as well. You’ll also notice the change that it makes in your electric bill, as the insulation will make it easier to stay at a set temperature. 

Courtesy of justynkalp

One area that does need to be looked at, but we understand if you’re not wanting to do it, would be the attic. Heat rises, and if there is no insulation in your attic, all of the heat that goes up is going to be coming out. For that reason, we firmly believe in checking it every three to six months. While up there, you’ll also want to look for any pests, holes or mold 

 Test Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors

One last thing is that if you didn’t change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall, you need to do them now. Not only iis it a good habit, but if you’re relying on heaters or a fire place to keep warm, you need to be able to keep an eye on these levels.
While you’re at it, check on the fire extinguisher, to make sure that it’s still in date.

With that, we’re done! Well. With the inside. Now it’s time to throw on a coat and take a walk around outside, as it’s time to check the house out on the outside. 

We might as well work top to bottom while we’re doing this, so it’s up to the roof for you or whatever helpers you can wrangle for this.  

Start by taking a look at the shingles.. You’ll want to look for any that are curling or cracked, and keep an eye out for any that are missing. You’ll also need to take a look at the metal flashing around your chimney, pipes and any skylights. If any of these are an issue, you’ll need a roofer before the winter rains really hit. 

Courtesy of stux.

Next up, you’ll want to take a look at the gutters. Are there any breaks or leaks in the gutters or the downspouts?  Clean out any leaves or debris that have built up, and patch any damage you can find now. 

A final step for on top of the roof is seeing if any trees need to be trimmed back to keep pests like mice, raccoons or squirrels from making a winter home in your roof. While we don’t recommend doing it yourself unless you’re trained to do so, it does help to have an idea of whether or not it’s an issue in the first place. 

Courtesy of Marc Pascual

Once back on the ground,  let’s keep pests in mind. With colder weather coming, they’re going to look for places to keep warm. Go around looking for food and water sources they can get at, as well as any cracks or crevices. You’ll want to get rid of any water sources like dripping faucets, as well as any food they can easily get at, and patch any cracks you come across. 

While you’re looking around for water, it’s also a good time to drain your sprinkler system and any outdoor water features you have. Having those pipes explode in the depths of winter is not fun, and the damage afterwards is annoying to clean up. 

To protect your outdoor faucets from freezing, start by disconnecting any attached hoses and storing them away. Next, drain any water remaining in the faucet by opening it fully. If your faucets have shut-off valves inside the house, turn those off as well. For extra protection, cover the faucets with insulated covers, which you can find at most hardware stores. These simple steps can help prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs during the winter.

Since you have the water features and faucets cleaned up, we might as well take a look at the landscaping. Trimming back unwanted plants isn’t just a matter of pulling out things that you didn’t want growing, it’s also a matter of reducing hiding spots for pests, and protecting the foundation of your home if they’re growing too close.  All of this is most easily done during colder weather. 

Next up, we’ll want to tackle the dryer exhaust duct. It’s one that you need to do at least once a year, as too much build up can prevent your dryer from not only drying efficiently, but it can cause house fires. If you can access it on your own, you might not need to call in a professional. Make sure to vacuum every nook and cranny though, or you’ll have to do this again much sooner than next winter. 

Our final two tips are to clean out and cover your grill.
It’s time to give it a good deep cleaning before you put it away for the winter. Scrub the grates, scrub the outside and make sure to follow any of the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Now that your home is winter-ready inside and out, you can enjoy the season without worrying about unexpected surprises. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or spending time with loved ones, knowing your home is prepped can bring peace of mind.

If you discover any issues with your appliances along the way—whether it’s a refrigerator coil that won’t stay clean or a dryer duct that needs professional attention—our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll ensure your appliances stay in top shape, so you can focus on what truly matters this winter. Reach out today and let us handle the rest!

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

 37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly