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

Durable Delights: Holiday Gifts That Last

Practical and thoughtful ideas for the gift-giver who knows someone a little hard on their stuff.

We all have that one friend or family member—the person who can turn the sturdiest appliance or tool into a cautionary tale. Whether it’s a cracked stovetop or a washing machine that mysteriously stopped mid-cycle, they’ve got the gift of destruction down to a science. This holiday season, why not embrace their talent with gifts designed to go the distance? From practically indestructible kitchen gear to appliances that can handle a little (or a lot) of rough love, this list has you covered. 

For bonus, where possible, we’ve listed ways that the gifts can be broken that we know of. If you know of any, make sure to let us know on our Facebook page! 

Cast Iron Skillet – A cast iron skillet is one of the most useful tools you can have in the kitchen. We’ve featured these on several previous gift lists. They are virtually indestructible and get better with use. Over time you’ll build up the seasoning on them so that anything you cook is going to be uniquely yours. 

How to avoid breaking it: Using soap or stainless steel pads (yes, this includes SOS pad) are straight out. They will both strip away the seasoning you intentionally work to build up, as well as damaging any coating your cast iron might have on it. 

Silicone Baking Mats –  Silicone baking mats can be used with just about any type of baking or cooking. If you’re not wanting to line a pan before you do a one pan dish, no problem. If you want to make a batch of cookies, done. Or if you want to make chocolates, and need to pop the pan into the freezer, it works. Silicone baking mats are for the person that loves cooking and hates cleaning. Even better, you buy them once, and you don’t have to worry about buying parchment paper again. 

How to avoid breaking it: Don’t put them onto open flames. Most silicone mats are meant to handle temperatures of up to 450*F. So, grilling, charring, broiling and microwaves are all out. 

Henry Vacuum Cleaner - The Henry Vacuum Cleaner is the workhorse of the cleaning world. With a reputation for durability, this vacuum has been around for nearly two decades in my home, tackling everything from carpets to stairs without missing a beat. While it doesn’t boast the fancy tech of modern vacuums, its modular design and long lifespan make it a solid choice for someone who values function over form.  (And for those that question why do you need a vacuum in your kitchen, we point out that there are always messes to be cleaned.) 

Shatterproof Drinking Glasses – When made of Tritan, you can get glasses that are actually shatterproof. Drop on the floor all you like, you’re good to go. Williams Sonoma has even tested them enough that they’re willing to say they also won’t cloud or discolor. 

How not to break them: Although these glasses aren’t made of glass, you’ll still need to be careful of a few things. Don’t put the glasses into the freezer with liquids in them, and don’t use SOS pads on them. 

Courtesy of Breville

Breville Barista Express - For the coffee lover who prefers to skip the coffee shop lines, the Breville Barista Express is a dream come true. This all-in-one espresso machine can craft a rich, café-quality drink at home. We’ve been using it for years, and it’s shown no signs of slowing down. A little upkeep—like descaling and changing the filter—ensures it keeps brewing smoothly.

Unbreakable Mixing Bowls – ‘unbreakable’ isn’t really an accurate term in this case. If you’re purchasing a stainless steel bowl, its not going to ‘break’ unless you’re intentionally taking a hammer and chisel to it, and if you’re doing that, we’re not sure what else you expected to happen. 

Courtesy of Castorly Stock

Heat Resistant Utensils –  Heatproof silicone tools are AMAZING. We’re going to say it here. All of those delicate pans you have that your giftee wasn’t allowed to handle previously? With silicone tools they can. They’re fantastic.  Heatproof silicone or metal spatulas, tongs, and spoons designed to last.

Copper-Plated Stainless Steel Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper - For the popcorn aficionado who wants a touch of elegance with their favorite snack, this popper offers both function and flair. This popper churns out 24 cups of crispy popcorn in about 3 minutes, all while being a pleasure to look at. Its copper-plated design is not only stylish but also built to last, making it a great gift for someone who enjoys quality and durability in the kitchen.

How Not to Break it: The only thing to really avoid with this one is stainless steel pads, or chisels. Other than that, you’re good to go. 

KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer -The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer is a culinary icon for a reason: It’s built to take on all the toughest kitchen tasks and still keep going. Whether it's kneading thick dough or whipping up the lightest batters, this mixer can handle it all. With its sturdy design and an extensive range of attachments, it’s perfect for someone who takes their cooking seriously—and won’t settle for anything less than quality.

Courtesy of KitchenAid

How Not To Break It: This one is tricky. On one hand, some people claim they’ve tried for years and haven’t been able to break theirs. Others have said that a hard drop for the base of the kitchenAid and you’ve got a fancy paperweight. So, we suggest leaving it planted firmly on the counter. 

Shun Cutlery Sora 8-Inch Chef's Knife - The Shun Sora 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is an exceptional investment for anyone who takes their cooking seriously. With its razor-sharp edge and perfect balance, it’s been my go-to knife for a decade. This blade is sharp enough to make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, while its beautiful, ergonomic design ensures that it feels like an extension of your hand. It’s a kitchen tool that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

Even with the most durable gifts, life happens—especially in the kitchen or laundry room. When your accident-prone loved one manages to push their appliances to the brink, Appliance Rescue Service is here to save the day. From finicky refrigerators to dishwashers that just won’t run, our expert team is ready to get things back on track. Because while you can’t always prevent mishaps, you can count on us to help keep those major appliances running strong.

Website
Call : (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
The Kitchen Gift-Giving Guide: From Laughs to Lessons, What Not to Wrap 

Christmas Gifts We Won't Be Giving

Holiday Success Starts at Home: Essential Tips for Your Appliance, Kitchen, and Home

Everything you need to get your appliances and home in top shape for a joyful, organized holiday season.

The holidays are almost here, and it feels like all of our time is being spent in the kitchen. That can be a wonderful way to foster togetherness and celebration with friends and family. But, given it’s the heart of all of the festivities, your kitchen appliances are working SO much harder. Possibly even harder than they do during summer. That makes it crucial to ensure they’re ready to handle the demands of the season. 

To help you making the most of the season AND keep your home running smoothly we’ve compiled the best of our holiday appliance tips into one ultimate guide. We’re hitting cleaning, troubleshooting, and how to organize everything. This roundup has everything to keep your home ticking like clockwork so you can focus on enjoying the season. 

Essential Preparations for High-Use Appliances

Courtesy of koolshooters

Our holiday meals are almost always center stage for holiday events. Everyone tries to make the best new recipe or to make the family favorites. Which means that your oven, dishwasher and refrigerator are the unsung heroes of your kitchen at this time of year. A little prep work ahead of the holidays can ensure they’re up for the heavy lifting. 

Before your guests arrive, check your dishwasher for clogs and clean out the fridge to make sure you have plenty of room for food. 

Dishwasher Tips: Help Your Dishwasher Clean Better – Just in Time for the Holidays!

As the holiday season approaches, your dishwasher is likely to get plenty of use. To help ensure it runs smoothly, start by running hot water first, sanitize with vinegar, and clean the gaskets and trap. Avoid overcrowding to prevent dirty dishes—these simple steps will keep your dishwasher in top shape for all the holiday meals ahead!

Kitchen Hazards Unveiled 

Oven safety is crucial in the kitchen, where common hazards include range tipovers, cookware injuries, and cooking fires. By taking preventative steps like installing anti-tip brackets, using heat-safe cookware, and staying vigilant while cooking, you can minimize risks and keep your kitchen safe. Don't forget, regular maintenance can also ensure your oven is in top shape, so you can focus on cooking up those holiday meals with peace of mind!

Chill Hacks Unveiled: Mastering Your Fridge's Microzones for Fresher Foods

Maximize your refrigerator's efficiency and reduce food waste this holiday season by understanding its various temperature zones. From storing dairy in the stable middle shelves to keeping meats on the bottom, organizing your fridge properly can extend food freshness and minimize spoilage. 

4 Tips to Get your Garbage Disposal Ready for the Holidays!  

As the holiday season brings heavy kitchen use, don’t forget to prepare your garbage disposal with these simple tips: scour for grime with ice cubes, avoid certain foods, clean with fruit peels or baking soda, and use it regularly to prevent rust.

Avoiding Holiday Appliance Mishaps

Nothing is quite as bad as a malfunctioning appliance in the middle of Christmas dinner. Thankfully, a few simple steps can help you avoid common issues, so you can focus on what matters most to you and your family. 

Remember some of most oft-repeated advice: 

Courtesy of August de Richelieu

• Unless it’s steam cleaning, avoid the self-clean button on your oven! 

• Keep an eye on your electrical outlets. Tempting as it is, don’t overload them or bring power strips into the kitchen when you’re handling lots of small appliances. 

• Keep your dishwasher clean of build-up and clogs

• Check the seals on all of your appliances, and make sure that they’re clean, free of grime, cracks or breaks. 

For a Stress-Free Holiday – Skip the Self Clean Mode!

While the 'self-clean' button on your oven sounds tempting, it's best avoided, especially before the holidays. High temperatures can cause damage and release harmful fumes. Instead, clean your oven manually to avoid repair issues and keep your holidays stress-free. 

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

Prepare your home appliances ahead of the holiday season with simple maintenance tasks to avoid stress. Deep clean your oven, stove, fridge, and washer, watch for common issues like clogged filters, and ensure your electrical system is ready for extra holiday use. A little preparation can keep everything running smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying time with your loved ones.

Pre-Holiday Cleaning and Organization

A sparkling kitchen not only impresses guests but also makes holiday cooking and entertaining easier. Plus, addressing potential hazards ahead of time ensures a safer and smoother experience.

Focus on often-overlooked areas, like the oven’s drip pans or the back of your fridge, and ensure everything has its place before the holiday chaos begins. These small steps make a big difference when you’re juggling a house full of guests. And it doesn’t hurt to make sure the guest rooms are set up as well.

Organizing Your Home Before the Holiday Daze

"Get ahead of the holiday chaos with these easy tips for decluttering, organizing, and storing your decorations and gifts. From using bins and baskets to setting up a wrapping station, these tricks will help you stay stress-free and make your home holiday-ready in no time.

5 Spots in the Kitchen to Clean Before the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to get your kitchen ready for all the entertaining and baking. Don't forget the often-overlooked spots like your range hood, small appliances, trashcan, oven, and refrigerator. 

10 Kitchen Hazards to Avoid this Holiday Season

The kitchen is the heart of holiday celebrations, but it can also be filled with potential hazards. From burns and knife injuries to spills and grease buildup, there are several dangers to watch out for this season. Stay safe while cooking by taking simple precautions and ensuring your appliances are in good working order before the holiday rush!

19 Essentials to Setting up a Gorgeous Guest Room

Courtesy of RDNE

Turn your guest room into a cozy, luxurious retreat for the holidays with thoughtful touches like extra toiletries, a luggage rack, and a well-made bed. Make sure your space is fully stocked with essentials to ensure your guests feel relaxed and at home during their stay.

Pro Tips from Appliance Rescue Service 

Our team at Appliance Rescue Service recommends scheduling routine maintenance ahead of the holidays to ensure your appliances are in peak condition. Think of it as a little extra insurance against unexpected breakdowns, so you can focus on creating holiday memories.

By following these tips, you can make your holiday season as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether it’s prepping appliances, avoiding common pitfalls, or staying organized, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment. And if an unexpected issue does arise, you can always count on Appliance Rescue Service to keep your home running smoothly.

Website

Call : (214) 599-0055

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

 Prepare your home for the season and keep everything running smoothly as the temperatures drop

Fall is almost here and we are over the moon. Not because of the hordes of pumpkin spice lovers that will come out of the woodwork. Not because Halloween will come sooner than we can expect. But because fall means cooler weather. Cooler weather also means changes around the house and outside the house. So this week we’re looking at what changes you can make around your home in order to prepare for fall. 

We'll start by taking a tour outside since the weather is still warm. 

Exterior/Outside

• Clean and Inspect Gutters

You will want to clean and inspect your gutters. Summer rains can be crazy as we all know and it leads to a lot of wind blown debris on top of your roof and in your gutters. Which isn't a problem, at least until it's blocked by ice and that causes cracks, or tearing away from your house. And those issues then cause water damage.

So for this one the best time of year to do this is spring and fall. Spring to catch anything that winter tossed onto your roof and fall to catch any issues from Summer.  

• Check Roof for Damage and Clean Debris

While you're up there and looking at your gutters, you should also take a look around at your roof. You want to check for any damage and get rid of any debris while you're at it. As we mentioned summer in Texas often means hail and high winds so it's better to check now. This ensures that your roof is ready for winter weather and you can schedule any repairs if they're necessary. 

• Trim Trees and Shrubs

You'll want to contact an arborist, tree trimmer, or landscaper to take a look at your trees and shrubs. Although we try to keep up with our lawns during summer we don't always pay as much attention to trees and bushes. If you take care of it now not only does it keep any branches from causing damage during a storm, it also keeps vegetation away from the house which helps to keep out pests. 

• Inspect and Seal Cracks in the Foundation

Once your back down on the ground, take some time to walk around and look closely at your foundation. You want to look for any cracks that have formed due to heat and settling. This is again another preventative measure before we head into winter. Not only will you stop mold growth, you can also stop water from seeping in and causing Foundation damage. Just as the water in your freezer will expand, it will expand in any cracks in your foundation. Over time this will cause deeper cracks and breakage which is a massive trouble.

• Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems

During the summertime, you have probably taken the time to care for your lawn, keeping it well-trimmed and watered throughout the summer. Now, you may have done this with a simple garden hose and faucet on the outside of your house, or you may have a sprinkler system built outside to make the task a little more hands-off to keep you out of the heat. However, these pipes run the same risks as those inside your house, and may burst when exposed to freezing weather. So, while the weather is still warm enough to go work on them, it is a good idea to take some time to winterize these systems so you can avoid a costly burst and water leak out into your yard.

• Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture

Sitting outside and enjoying some time on your porch, or having a table outdoors for cookouts is a great thing in the summertime. However, these pieces of furniture, while pretty robust, are not made for harsh conditions and extreme weather. With that in mind, it will usually be best to store them in a shed or a garage until the springtime, or, if you don’t have the ability to do that, cover them with some sort of tarp or weather-proof sheet to keep them safe from ice, freezing rain, and snow during the coldest months of the year.

• Check Weatherstripping on Doors and Windows

Your home’s electricity bill is usually driven up by whatever climate controls you have in the house. Air conditioning during the summer and heaters during the winter can seriously impact how much you have to shell out on your utility bill. With that in mind, you should take the time to check your weatherstripping so that you can save as much as possible. Often, the seals on your doors and windows will be made of rubber, since it offers the best protective sealing for its cost. But, with it being near those openings, it also degrades over time, and will need some fixing or replacement every now and again. A little work to fix your weatherstripping now can save a lot on your utility bills later!

2. Garage

• Organize and Clean the Garage

Summer projects mean a lot of things coming in and out of the garage, and sometimes objects haphazardly thrown in just to get them out of the way for a bit. While it may seem daunting, taking a day or two to organize and clean the garage will help you out a lot when it comes to getting ready for wintertime. It can open up room for you to store things like mowers and outdoor furniture, and it makes it to where there’s less nooks and crannies for pests to hide when they decide that your house seems like the perfect way to get away from the cold. Cleaning the garage now means you’re far less likely to have mice later on in the winter!

• Inspect Garage Door and Lubricate Moving Parts

Your garage door is something you probably expect to just work, regardless of the situation. Like all machines, though, it has some natural wear and tear over time. Checking it out and making sure it’s maintained can save you some headaches when the first freeze of the season hits, or, if you lose power during the wintertime, it makes sure you can still manually open and close the garage with relatively little effort. Just like the rest of this list, a little work now will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

3. Kitchen

• Deep Clean Appliances (Oven, Refrigerator, Dishwasher)

Doing a deep clean of your appliances is something people usually think of when it’s time for spring cleaning. However, it is just as important and useful to do some cleaning before winter sets in. It’ll help your machines run more efficiently, once again saving you money on that all-too-important utility bill, and helps prevent nasty odors coming from something when you’re cooped up in the house during the coldest months. With that in mind, though, we’d like to bring special attention to the oven in particular. Chances are, you’re going to be running the heater, and trying to make good warm meals whenever you can. Taking the time to deep clean your oven can reduce the chance of any fire hazards, which is of the utmost importance when you’re going to be actively trying to warm up the house.

• Check and Clean Range Hood and Filter

Similar to our last paragraph and its focus on the oven, we would like to bring up the hood over your range. Checking out the air filter in it, and replacing it if needed, can help you a lot when it comes to preventing any grease buildup. Once again, this is done in the interest of fire safety, with an additional bonus of improved air quality in the home, which is hugely important when you want to stay in instead of braving the weather outside.

• Inspect and Replace Water Filters

There’s a good chance you won’t be going to the store as often during the winter. Be it because you just don’t want to toss on a coat, or because the roads are iced over, going and getting things like bottled water can be a hassle deemed not worth it during the frigid depths of wintertime. So, while you have the chance, make sure to check your water filters. Whether you have a filter pitcher, a filter for your sink taps, or a water dispenser on your fridge, it’s good to check them and switch out the filter media if you need, to make sure you have good, clean water for the winter.

4. Living Room

• Clean and Inspect Fireplace

Let’s face it, you probably haven’t even looked at your fireplace since the weather warmed up back in the springtime. However, with winter approaching, you’re going to need to use it again, and you don’t want to take the risk that it’s stopped up with soot from last winter. So, take the time now to clean the fireplace, and inspect it for damage, that way it works safely and you can live with the ease of mind that brings.

• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With central heating, fireplaces, space heaters, or all three turned on in the winter, the risk of fires is going to be higher than normal. This is simply a fact of life with the season. So, taking the time to make sure that your home’s safety equipment is working correctly is best done now, before it is needed. When it comes to things like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ease of mind and the safety of you and your household take precedence. Test them now well in advance, and you can rest easy knowing that should a disaster occur, your safety equipment is functioning and keeping you protected.

5. Bathrooms

• Check for Leaks and Inspect Caulking

Water damage is never fun to deal with, and when it comes to things like your bathroom, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially during the winter months where water leaks are a higher risk than normal. A little time spent checking the caulking in your bathrooms can help a lot in the long run, and help prevent you and your home from having to deal with things like water damage, mildew, and mold during the winter.

6. Bedrooms

• Rotate and Flip Mattresses

Rotating and flipping your mattresses is a good practice to help keep your mattress from having  divots and uneven wear from how you sleep. While we’re doing work to get the house ready for winter, it wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and make sure your mattresses are flipped and rotated, just to go ahead and get the chore out of the way for a while.

• Test and Clean Ceiling Fans

• Why: Prepares fans to run in reverse for winter, helping to circulate warm air.

• Chances are, you’ve been using your ceiling fans during the summer. However, now is a good time to make sure that, if they can run in reverse, they’re able to do so without issue. As well, take the time to clean the dust from them, that way when you run them in reverse to help circulate warm air through the room, they’re not also spreading dust around.

7. Attic/Basement

• Inspect Insulation and Ventilation

The attic is often a warm and dry place during the summer, what with the sun beating down on it all the time. However, it’s still good to check that it is insulated properly, as a cold attic can cool the entire house, which isn’t great when you’re trying to keep everyone warm and happy. As well, an improperly insulated attic can have more issues with moisture buildup and leaks, causing slow but significant damage to your home.

• Check for Pests

Pests will want to come into your house during the wintertime. Simply put, if it’s cold, they’re going to find whatever hovel they can hide in. With critters like rodents and termites being risks, this is something you want to catch early before it becomes a serious issue. Go ahead and take the time to check for pests now, and take appropriate measures to ensure they’re all gone before the winter hits. If there are already critters in your home, chances are, they’re going to have a lot more friends come in during winter.

8. HVAC System

• Replace or Clean Air Filters

As the weather cools down, it’s easy to overlook the importance of clean air filters. However, clogged or dirty filters can force your HVAC system to work overtime.This drives up your energy costs and puts unnecessary strain on the system. Plus, with temperatures getting cold, you’ll be spending more time indoors, and good air quality is essential.  By replacing or cleaning the filters now, you’ll ensure your system is running efficiently and your home has cleaner air. 

Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

Before winter hits, it's crucial to make sure your heating system is ready for the demands of the colder months. Scheduling a professional HVAC inspection now can save you from costly repairs down the road. A technician can catch any small issues before they become big problems, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently when you need it most. Plus, no one wants to deal with a broken heater on a chilly day, so it's better to be proactive and prepared.

As fall settles in, taking care of these essential maintenance tasks will help keep your home cozy, energy-efficient, and ready for the colder months ahead. From improving air quality to safeguarding against costly repairs, a little preparation now can save you time, money, and headaches when winter arrives. And remember, if you need help with any appliances along the way, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is always here to ensure your home runs smoothly, no matter the season.

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

Get the Most Out of Your  Smart Lighting with These Expert Tips

Lighting in our homes is undergoing a thrilling transformation, all thanks to the integration of smart technology, like smart bulbs. These advancements not only bring numerous benefits to the home but also open up a world of possibilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the dos and don'ts of smart lighting, to help you make the most of this exciting technology.

Dos

Do Check Compatibility

Before you purchase smart bulbs, ensure they are compatible with your current light fixtures and home automation systems. Not all smart bulbs work with all setups, so doing your homework can save you from potential headaches. As an example, just think about the differences between Alexa and Google Home, and trying to get them to work together. 

Do Consider Lumens Instead of Watts

Courtesy of Cloudlynx

Traditional bulbs are measured in watts, but smart bulbs are measured in lumens. Lumens indicate brightness rather than power draw, like watts. Be sure to check the lumen output to get the right brightness level for your space.

Do Set Up Routines and Timers 

Smart lights come with the ability to establish timers and routines. Yet many people forget this not long after they get them, and lose out on some of the best features.  Take advantage of these in your own home to customize your lighting, save energy and create moods for various events. You can also use them to enhance your security by giving the appearance that someone is home. 

Do Focus on Color and Warmth

Your smart bulbs offer a full-color spectrum, and it’s lots of fun to play with different color set ups. However, when you’re looking to give your home a new look, make sure and pay attention to the warmth of your light as well. Warm lights like yellows or soft whites help make your home feel cozy and comfortable, while cooler blues help you  stay alert. Additionally, you have to consider how different tones of light can give you a headache.

Do Track Your Energy Usage 

Courtesy of Haus Automation

There are many smart bulbs that allow you to monitor the energy output that they are using. This can make your life easier when it comes to finding spaces where you can cut consumption and lower your electric bills. 

Do Prepare Your Network

Smart bulbs are hooked directly into your Wi-fi network all the time. Before you bring them into your home, make sure that your network can handle the additional load of the bulbs you’re getting. If not, consider upgrading to a mesh network. A mesh network is a Wi-Fi system that uses multiple access points to spread the signal evenly throughout your home, ensuring a stable connection for your smart bulbs.

Don'ts

Don't Neglect Proper Installation

Like any piece of technology there are ‘right’ ways to use it and ‘incorrect’  ways to use it. One of the most common issues people run into is not researching the proper installation methods before purchasing. Doing this can lead to the bulb overheating, or the fancy bulb you bought…dying long before it should have. One key tip to avoid is recessed fixtures that don’t allow head to dissipate from the bulb. 

Don't Overlook the Learning Curve 

Smart bulbs are indeed smart, with a plethora of features that everyone is eager to explore. However, it's important to remember that there is a learning curve. Take the time to familiarize yourself with them before you start using them, so you can dive right into the fun stuff. Most importantly, be patient with yourself as you learn-you've got this. 

Don't Use Dimmer Switches

Smart bulbs are controlled from the app. In addition to being able to chose your color and timer settings, you can also change how bright your lights are. From the app. Let’s say that again, from the app. Many people love dimmer switches prior to converting to smart bulbs, and after. The problem is that using a dimmer switch with a smart bulb can damage that smart bulb.  Using them with traditional dimmer switches can cause flickering and reduce bulb performance.

Don't Ignore Security Concerns 

Smart bulbs are part of the Internet of Things. Just like we’ve talked about with smart appliances, smart bulbs are gaps in your internet security. Before you connect them into your network, make sure that you use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Also make sure that you keep up with upgrades to your network and the smart bulbs 

Don't Ignore Connectivity Issues 

Are there any spots in your home that your network is less than ideal? Or where it goes out entirely? Prior to getting smart-bulbs you need to fix that. Smart bulbs require a stable Wi-fi system. If your network goes down due to those lovely Texas power surges,, you can lose control of your lights. Plan ahead of time to avoid losing your lights out of the blue. 

Don't Buy on Promises 

Just like any other new piece of technology, companies often make promises that don’t always come to fruition. Instead of buying based on future promises, make your smart bulb purchase based on what they can already offer your home. This cautious approach will ensure you make informed decisions about your smart lighting technology. 

Don't Forget to Manually Reset When Needed 

Courtesy of Gerd Altman

Just like any other piece of technology, sometimes, smart bulbs will bug out. When in doubt, don’t assume that the bulb is broken, try a manual reset following the manufacturers’ instructions to get things back in order. 

Smart lighting technology can offer incredible efficiency and convenience for your home. However, it also comes with its own challenges. Follow our dos and don’ts to make the most of your new technology and avoid the most common pitfalls. 

At Appliance Rescue Service, we're all about sharing helpful tips for managing your home. Just a friendly reminder that connecting lots of devices, like those cool new smart bulbs, to your Wi-Fi can affect how well your smart appliances work. While we can't sort out your internet issues, we're definitely here to help fix any problems with your appliances. Our goal is to keep your home running smoothly, so please reach out if you need expert appliance repair and maintenance. We're always happy to help!

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