Your 2025 Gift Guide: Thoughtful Picks for Every Homebody, Host, and Handyman

Finding the perfect gift shouldn’t feel like a seasonal sport. Whether you’re shopping for someone who thrives on cozy nights in, the friend who can’t help but host every gathering, or the person who always has a tool in their hand “just in case,” there’s something here for everyone.

This curated list brings together comfort, creativity, practicality, and a little unexpected joy—all with homeowners in mind. If you want meaningful, high-quality gifts that feel personal (and won’t end up shoved into a closet until spring), this guide has you covered.




For the Homebody

We all know someone who would happily trade a night out for soft blankets, warm lighting, and a relaxed evening in their favorite corner of the house. Maybe they work from home, maybe they’re recovering from a high-stress job, or maybe they just value peace and quiet more than anything.

To help them build their perfect winter retreat, here are a few gifts that make staying home even better:

✨ Light Therapy Lamp

A gentle boost of sunshine for the darkest months of the year. It helps support mood, energy, and routine—perfect for the homebody who thrives on consistency even when daylight disappears early.

✨ Window-Mounted Hanging Desk

If their favorite room is more window than wall, give them the gift of function without drilling holes or rearranging furniture. This clever desk mounts directly to almost any window, creating a bright little workspace (or puzzle spot) that keeps them connected to the daylight they do get.

✨ Paint Anywhere Christmas Kit

When boredom creeps in with the early sunsets, give them a creative escape. These paint-by-number holiday kits come in several designs—though the mountain scene is especially soothing—and offer a cozy, screen-free way to unwind.

✨ Heated Throw Blanket

The ultimate winter staple. This plush heated throw keeps them warm, cozy, and happily cocooned until spring decides to return.

✨ The nodpod Sleeping Mask

Weighted, soft, and surprisingly effective, this mask turns any nap or bedtime routine into a luxurious moment of calm.





For the Host or Hostess

A host gift is always appreciated—but not every host wants another bottle of wine, and not every gathering calls for the same old standbys. If you’re visiting for an evening (or staying for the whole weekend), bring something thoughtful, charming, and genuinely useful.

✨ Paper Vase Wraps

If you know they love fresh flowers but don’t own a vase they’re proud of, solve two problems at once. These water-resistant paper wraps slip over almost any vase—or even a water bottle—to instantly brighten a room. Simple, elegant, and endlessly reusable.

✨ Bee Print Cocktail Napkins or Coasters

Stylish, sustainable little touches that add personality to any tablescape. Perfect for the host who loves detail and charm.

✨ Animal Icon Photo Holders

For the host who loves fun touches at the dinner table. These adorable place-card or photo holders bring a bit of whimsy to their next gathering.

✨ Kokedama Plant

Ideal for the host who wants greenery but not the upkeep. These Japanese moss ball wrapped plants require only occasional soaking and look gorgeous anywhere—from entry tables to kitchen windows.

✨ “Not Fried Chicken” Ice Cream

For the joker in your life, bring a treat that looks exactly like fried chicken but is actually ice cream. It’s the unexpected, delightfully weird surprise that guests won’t stop talking about.

✨ Compartés Artisan Chocolates

A lovely gift for the host who deserves a treat after everyone leaves. Pair with a handwritten note for a heartfelt thank-you.


For the Handyman

Your favorite fixer-upper, tinkerer, or DIY enthusiast deserves tools that make their life easier—and maybe even save them a few steps (or a few swear words). These gifts work hard, just like they do.

✨ The Muscle Duffle

A heavy-duty canvas bag with enough space for tools, gear, or an overnight stay. Leather-trimmed handles and durable brass hardware keep it stylish and sturdy, while the customizable monogram makes it personal. It’s rugged, reliable, and ready for any project.

✨ Hand-Powered Lifting Jack

A small tool with massive impact. Each jack can lift up to 300 lbs and helps with tasks that normally require multiple people: leveling drywall, hanging doors, lifting cabinets, adjusting tiles, building decks, installing HVAC systems, even acting as a clamp for construction or woodworking. With a simple squeeze and quick-release mechanism, this tool becomes indispensable. Honestly, they might want two.



When the Holidays Get Busy… Don’t Stress About Your Appliances

None of these gifts have anything to do with your major household appliances—and that’s perfectly fine. You shouldn’t have to worry about those this time of year.

Your home should run smoothly all year long. But if that isn’t the case, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We can schedule a maintenance check before guests arrive or take care of any appliance that isn’t keeping up with the season—ovens, stoves, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, ice makers, washers, and dryers.

At ARS, there isn’t a major appliance we can’t handle. So if you’re juggling more than just gift shopping this winter, give us a call. We’ll take care of the rest.

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Call: (214) 599-0055



Courtesy of Matthias Cooper

The Smart Home Reality Check: What Works, What Fails, and What Gets Weird

A deeper look at how modern living is reshaping the electrical needs of today’s homes

If you grew up imagining a future like the Jetsons or Iron Man, with flying cars, robot maids and your house managing all your day to day issues, the IoT probably felt like the next logical step. Lights that you could turn on with a command. Thermostats that learn when you get home and when you go to work, to best match your needs. Doorbells that know your neighbors versus unexpected visitors! 

But somewhere along the way we went from “Hey Google, play jazz” to “Hey Google? Please stop turning my lights purple at 3 am” and things have just gotten weirder with every passing year. 

For every moment of true ease and convenience, there’s several more where your smart home behaves like a haunted house of old. Or perhaps more it’s having an existential crisis as it tries to figure out which of three thousand different programs it needs to run, to interact with one specific portion of your home. 

So today, we’re doing a reality check:
Smart home tech — when it helps, when it hurts, and when it definitely needs a time-out.

Let’s start with the good, the questionable, and the “why is my lamp talking to me?”



1️⃣ Pro: Convenience That Actually Feels Magical

You can turn off the whole house from your phone. Adjust the thermostat from bed. Spy on your dog from the grocery store. It’s the dream. And that’s just the basic stuff that smart devices come with out of the box. That’s not even counting what you can get up to with interconnecting devices and setting up routines, or using a site like If This Then That. 

1️⃣ Con: …When It Works.

Courtesy of Geri Tech

But, then there’s the rest of the time. Your smart lock forgets you exist, your voice assistant can’t understand you unless you speak Klingon, and your routine called “Goodnight” turns everything off—including the Wi-Fi and your will to live. How are you supposed to figure out which systems there are, which networks everything is on, and get it straightened out? 







2️⃣ Pro: Real Security Benefits

Smart homes have completely changed security in the modern day, and it’s possible to build your own all in one set up, and know that your home is safe, no matter where you are. Cameras, sensors, alerts, and automated lighting make your home safer and more responsive.
Motion-detected floodlight? Amazing.
Phone alert that your door is unlocked? Useful. 

Doorbell showing you that someone is at the front door? Fantastic! 

2️⃣ Con: Devices That Are So Vulnerable It Feels Like a Prank

But then there’s the other side of things. You expect devices that are inside your home to be safe, and ones that are around your kids, even more so. Yet we’ve already had teddy bears leaking kids’ voice messages and baby monitors that allowed anyone to log into. At this point,  “secure” is stretching the definition more than silly putty.
Some devices come with passwords like “1234,” which feels less like security and more like a polite invitation to hackers.  And how many of them tell you how to go about changing the basic password? 







3️⃣ Pro: Energy Efficiency on Autopilot

Home efficiency is one we talk about a lot, as we’re always looking to help you cut bills when possible. Smart thermostats and connected devices help you reduce waste, cut bills, and keep an eco-conscious home without thinking about it.

3️⃣ Con: The Digital Ghost of the Previous Homeowner

Courtesy of Yan Krukov

If the last owner loved waking up at dawn, guess what?
So will you.
Lights turn on. Shades rise. Thermostats cook the house at midnight.
Some systems are so deeply programmed you’d need a séance—or a $99 subscription hub—to undo it.





4️⃣ Pro: Interconnectivity & Automation

When it works? Bliss. Your lights, locks, AC, and security system all play nicely together. You walk in the door and the house greets you like an enthusiastic golden retriever. It can be amazing and make your life much easier. 

4️⃣ Con: Interconnectivity… and Chaos

But when it doesn’t work?
Devices disappear. Automations fail.
Your hub claims your living room doesn’t exist.
And Google Home users are out here performing full exorcisms just to get the kitchen lights back online.
And it takes someone who knows what they’re doing, understands all of the systems you have, or is capable of writing custom programs to make everything play nice. And then you pray that nothing updates and throws everything you’ve done out the window. 





5️⃣ Pro: Smart Homes Can Make Life Genuinely Better

This is the big one, the one that many of us dream of in some shape or form.
For accessibility, mobility limitations, aging in place, busy families, or just “my thermostat is across the house and I’m not wearing real pants,” smart tech can be a game-changer.

5️⃣ Con: But Only If It Isn’t Weaponized or Compromised

Here’s the biggest downside:
Smart home systems can be used for stalking, harassment, or controlling behavior.
Partner abuse cases now commonly include things like:

  • Remotely blasting heat or cold via the thermostats

  • Monitoring conversations

  • Accessing cameras

  • Manipulating locks, lights, and alarms

It’s the worst-case scenario—and it’s happening more often than people realize.


Your Smart Home Should Work For You — Not Against You

Smart home technology isn’t going anywhere. And honestly? It shouldn’t.
When it works, it adds comfort, convenience, and safety to our daily routines. 

But when it glitches, breaks, ghosts you, or acts possessed by the previous owner’s settings… it’s less “Jetsons” and more “Poltergeist.”

So when it comes to holiday sales and everyone getting new devices for their home thanks to the great deals, give it some consideration before you bring in something new. 





While we can’t help with untangling your smart home, we can and do help with your appliances. From the oven to the washer, the freezer to the dryer, Appliance Rescue Service is here for you. We can help you get your appliances up to snuff for the holidays, whether they need repairs or just a quick maintenance check. 

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Smart devices are getting too smart Courtesy of kindel media

Call: (214) 599-0055



Retrofitting Homes for Tomorrow: Managing Rising Energy Needs

A deeper look at how modern living is reshaping the electrical needs of today’s homes

Courtesy of Boyan Chen

Homes in the Dallas–Fort Worth area don’t look or operate the way they used to, and frankly, they can’t. As our summers run hotter, our neighborhoods grow denser, and our families adopt more technology, the demands placed on our homes—and on the electrical grid that supports them—are increasing faster than many homeowners realize. The conversation around retrofitting isn’t just about “making a house more efficient” anymore. It’s about ensuring that older homes can safely meet modern expectations, and newer homes are prepared for the next decade of growth.

And with the amount of discussion surrounding grid stress in Dallas and the surrounding communities, homeowners are understandably paying closer attention to the systems that power their daily lives.

The Pressure on the Modern Home

For decades, homes were designed around predictable electrical patterns. A couple of major appliances, a traditional HVAC system, a reasonable number of outlets—it was enough. But today, that same house may be supporting electric vehicles, high-powered kitchen appliances, networked home offices, multiple entertainment systems, smart devices in nearly every room, and HVAC systems working overtime to keep up with increasingly extreme temperatures.

In many older neighborhoods, the electrical panels and circuits simply weren’t built with this level of usage in mind. Even newer construction is being forced to evolve rapidly, designed less like a simple shelter and more like a mini energy hub. And the strain doesn’t stop at the front door—the local grid feels it as well. During peak summer heat, when nearly every household is running its air conditioning at full tilt, Dallas sees predictable spikes that stretch the grid close to its limits.

This is where retrofitting steps in—not as a luxury, but as a practical and increasingly necessary strategy.

Retrofitting as a Response to Rising Demand

Retrofitting isn’t one thing. It’s a collection of thoughtful upgrades that help a home function efficiently, safely, and sustainably in a landscape where energy use trends continue to rise.

For many homeowners, the first step is addressing the electrical system itself. Older breaker panels may not have the capacity to support EV chargers, modern HVAC units, or high-powered appliances without risking overloads. Upgraded panels, expanded circuits, and smarter load-management systems allow the home to distribute electricity effectively, reducing strain and preventing outages.

Beyond electrical capacity, the efficiency side matters just as much. When a home wastes less energy, the demand on the grid—and on a homeowner’s wallet—drops significantly. Improved insulation, air sealing, modern HVAC units, and high-efficiency appliances work together to reduce unnecessary power consumption. It’s not just about being “more eco-friendly”; it’s about creating a home that doesn’t need to fight its own inefficiencies just to stay comfortable.

Courtesy of Sebastian Ganso

And increasingly, many homeowners are looking beyond simple upgrades and adding renewable solutions like rooftop solar and home battery storage. These aren’t status symbols—they’re practical tools for offsetting grid reliance, smoothing out peak demand, and providing resilience during outages. In a region where storms, heat waves, and high-usage periods can cause sudden disruptions, this kind of stability matters.

Future-Proofing the Home

A key point in your research stands out clearly: retrofitting isn’t just about solving today’s problems. It’s about anticipating tomorrow’s.

Electric vehicles are becoming commonplace. Smart home technology is only expanding. Appliances are becoming more advanced, often requiring dedicated high-capacity circuits. And the local grid, as it stands, cannot simply scale at the same pace as consumer demand.

The homeowners who retrofit now aren’t just upgrading—they’re preparing. A future-proofed home is one that can handle tomorrow’s appliance upgrades, unexpected heat waves, and evolving technology without requiring an emergency overhaul. This preparation is particularly important in Dallas, where growth is constant and grid conversations are growing louder.

The Challenges Homeowners Face

None of this is without complications. Upgrading a home comes with real costs, and not every neighborhood has the infrastructure to fully support modern electrical capacity. Skilled professionals are essential, and the pace of technological change can be intimidating. But the research makes one thing clear: doing nothing isn’t a sustainable long-term option.

As electrical demand rises, older systems will feel the strain. Homeowners who invest in smart upgrades—whether small steps like LED lighting or major changes like panel replacements—benefit from reduced bills, increased safety, and a home that’s ready for the future instead of fighting against it.

Where This Leaves Dallas Homeowners

It leaves them at a crossroads, but a promising one. Retrofits, upgrades, and efficiency improvements aren’t simply trends—they’re the natural evolution of modern living. They protect the home, ease the burden on the grid, and give homeowners greater control over their comfort and costs.

Dallas is growing, changing, and electrifying, and our homes are changing with it. The shift toward future-proofed, energy-conscious design is no longer reserved for luxury builds. It’s becoming the standard, and homeowners who embrace it early will feel the benefits for years to come.





While Appliance Rescue Service can’t retrofit or build your home electrical system, we are dedicated to keeping the systems inside your home running smoothly. Whether it’s an oven that won’t heat properly or a freezer that refuses to get cold enough, we’re here to help. When your home’s appliances need expert care, count on us to keep everything operating the way it should.

Courtesy of Pixabay


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Call: (214) 599-0055

When Your Kitchen Turns Against You: Hidden Dangers Revealed

Where Safety Ends and the Invisible Begins

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Warm food at the end of a long day. Snacks and baking with family. A place to gather when things go wrong, or right. Yet, within the steam and the stainless steel, there are dangers that wait patiently. There are no jump scares here. Just quiet threats that reveal themselves slowly.

In many ways, our kitchens are safer than ever. We lock cabinets and ovens against curious littles. We pay closer attention to what we eat and how we prepare it. We keep fire extinguishers and smoke detectors nearby and teach our children how to escape if flames appear. There is always a but though, isn’t there? The hazards haven’t vanished. They have simply shifted into places we rarely consider. Invisible pollutants and toxic materials move into the air we breathe and the food we eat. Safety is no longer only about flames and sharp edges. It is about the things you cannot see.

Courtesy of Steven

The air in our kitchens isn’t always as clean as we trust it to be. The stove seems harmless when it sleeps, yet methane can escape quietly even when the flame is out. Once ignited, the gas releases nitrogen oxides that linger in the air. The problem grows when the appliance is installed without proper ventilation, or when that ventilation goes unused. Short bursts of cooking have been shown to push indoor pollutant levels beyond recommended air quality limits. Children in homes where gas stoves lack ventilation are more likely to experience respiratory issues and asthma symptoms. These dangers hide in everyday routine. Using the range hood or opening a window helps the fumes escape, and paying attention when the stove acts up can prevent bigger issues from developing. If an appliance seems to burn too hot or produce more smoke than it should, it’s time to have it checked.





Even when the stove behaves, cooking itself has ways of filling the air with what we can’t see. High heat and a sizzling pan feel like comfort, yet when cooking oil reaches its smoke point, the air starts to shift. Those flavorful wisps can carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds—pollutants tied to lung cancer risks in research. Frying, charring, and even everyday high-heat cooking can trap harmful particles indoors if ventilation is lacking. Choosing oils that hold up better to heat and keeping temperatures controlled can reduce what enters the air unnoticed. The danger rises with the temperature long before anyone sees smoke.

Courtesy of Alexander Fox PlaNet Fox

And sometimes the danger isn’t in the ingredients at all. It’s in the tools we use to cook them. The nonstick pan that promises convenience can turn quietly against you over time. When overheated, coatings like PTFE release fumes that drift into the air. Scratches allow tiny flakes to break free and move into the food. These coatings have been associated with serious health concerns when they begin to degrade. That pan doesn’t shout for attention as it wears down. It simply waits until the damage is already done. Choosing cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel where you can is a safer alternative.

Even the containers meant to protect our food can quietly betray us. Plastic containers feel like a harmless storage solution, but heat changes the rules. When exposed to microwaves or hot food, plastics can release chemicals like BPA and phthalates into meals. Both are known endocrine disruptors, with risks increasing as plastics age or break down. Even items labeled as “microwave-safe” may not withstand repeated high temperatures. The danger doesn’t present itself dramatically. It accumulates slowly with every reheated leftover, every warmed-up lunch. Replacing worn containers and choosing glass for hot foods reduces the risk.

A fresh scent can hide something far less comforting. The sharp, clean smell left behind by powerful cleaners carries its own invisible threat. Many household disinfectants and fragranced products release volatile organic compounds into the air, especially in enclosed spaces. These chemicals may irritate the respiratory system and linger after the shine fades. Combining products like bleach and ammonia can even create toxic fumes. Using safer cleaning solutions and rinsing surfaces after harsh products can help keep the air less hostile.

And in the quiet corners where nothing looks dangerous at all, another threat multiplies. Even the everyday tools we trust are not always on our side. Sponges and dishcloths can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, spreading contamination with every swipe. Towels that never fully dry become quiet reservoirs that move germs from place to place. The danger here is not dramatic. It waits. It spreads. It thrives on ordinary habits.

The hazards may seem small on their own, yet together they shape the air and food we trust most. The kitchen is not cruel. It has simply evolved into a space where danger wears disguise. Once the unseen becomes visible, the atmosphere shifts. Small, thoughtful changes restore safety to the room that should comfort us most. When we uncover the invisible problems, we take back control of the home.

We depend on the tools that cook for us. If your major appliances spark, smoke, or behave in ways that feel wrong, don’t wait for the tension to build. ARS can make sure your appliances are functioning safely before the story takes a darker turn.



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From Lease Signing to Move-In Day: A Landlord’s Definitive Prep Timeline

From appliances to safety checks, here’s how to impress new tenants.

So, you’ve signed the lease with your new tenants. Congratulations! You’ve secured solid renters, the paperwork’s out of the way, and now you’ve got a window of time to get your property in shape before move-in day. Here’s the catch: that window is smaller than you think, and how you use it ABSOLUTELY matters.

Courtesy of user32212

Too many landlords slap on a coat of paint, vacuum the carpets, and call it a day. But if you want to protect your investment and keep your tenants happy (read: reduce turnover, complaints, and late-night “the oven won’t start” calls), you need a structured approach. That’s where this timeline comes in.

This isn’t a fluffy checklist. It’s a no-nonsense, boots-on-the-ground guide to getting your Dallas-area rental home ready — written for landlords who rent to middle-class families and expect a return on their effort. Follow this, and you’ll not only avoid tenant headaches, you’ll also look like the kind of landlord people actually want to rent from.

Immediately After Lease Signing: Lock Down the Big Picture

The ink’s barely dry, but this is your chance to get organized.

  • Document Everything: Walk the property and take photos or video of every room, inside and out. This protects you when it’s time to talk about the security deposit. You’ll be able to say exactly what was where and what you did or didn’t authorize. Future-you will thank present-you.


  • Paperwork and Compliance: Double-check lease addendums and disclosures (lead paint, flood zones, HOA requirements, whatever applies to your property). Dallas-area landlords have to keep these ducks in a row.

  • Schedule the Pros: Appliance servicing, HVAC checks, pest control — don’t wait until the week before move-in when everyone’s booked. A quick call to Appliance Rescue Service, for example, means your fridge, oven, and dishwasher are guaranteed to work on day one instead of making you look sloppy.



Think of this stage as your foundation. If you don’t handle the basics now, everything else is just window dressing.




Courtesy of Nicky

Two Weeks Before Move-In: Clean, Repair, Refresh

This is where the heavy lifting happens.

  • Deep Clean: And no, I don’t mean a quick mop. I mean baseboards, ceiling fans, blinds, inside cabinets, and every mysterious corner you’ve been ignoring. Hire it out if you have to. Nothing kills tenant goodwill like sticky counters and dusty vents.

  • Repair & Refresh: Patch nail holes, replace tired caulk, tighten loose doorknobs, fix squeaky hinges. If the carpet looks like it’s hosted a frat party, replace it. These little touches scream “we care” more than you realize.

  • Appliance Audit: Run every appliance. Does the dryer actually dry in one cycle? Does the fridge hold temp? Does the dishwasher drain properly? Catch problems now. Having ARS do a full sweep here is landlord insurance you can’t buy elsewhere.



This phase is all about turning a used house into a fresh home.



One Week Before Move-In: Safety and Systems

Now it’s time to switch from appearance to functionality.

  • Safety First: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and check fire extinguishers. Rekey the locks (yes, even if you “trust” the last tenants). Secure windows and make sure exterior lights work.



  • HVAC and Filters: Dallas summers aren’t forgiving. Change filters, service the system, and make sure it’s cooling like it should. A tenant without AC in July won’t just call — they’ll rage.

  • Utilities Check: Test outlets, breakers, and fixtures. Replace burnt-out bulbs. Label your breaker panel so tenants don’t blow up your phone when the microwave trips it.

If you skip this step, congratulations — you’ve just created your future midnight emergencies.

A Few Days Before Move-In: The Final Polish

This is when you fine-tune the details.

Courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians

  • Pest Prevention: Even if you don’t see anything, call in pest control for a once-over. Nobody wants to meet a roach on day one.



  • Exterior & Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, clear gutters. A tidy exterior makes a huge difference in how tenants treat the property.


  • Extras That Impress: Swap air filters (again, if needed), replace every last burned-out bulb, and consider small touches — like leaving appliance manuals in a folder or a “welcome kit” with basics like toilet paper and light bulbs.






This is also the perfect time for your own landlord walkthrough. Run faucets, flush toilets, check water pressure, and sniff out weird smells. Walk in like a tenant seeing the place for the first time. If something bugs you, it’ll bug them.

Courtesy of Schluesseldienst.


Move-In Day: The Hand-Off

This is it — the big reveal.

  • Keys and Orientation: Hand off all keys, garage openers, mailbox info, and explain anything quirky about the property (like “the dryer needs an extra tap on the button” or “the garbage disposal switch hides under the sink”).

  • Walkthrough with Tenants: Do it together. Note any existing dings or wear so it’s not a fight later. Tenants appreciate transparency.

  • Set the Tone: Be available, but not hovering. A quick reminder that “Appliance Rescue Service is on call if you run into any appliance issues” shows you’re proactive, not reactive.

This timeline isn’t about being nitpicky. It’s about protecting your investment, respecting your tenants, and setting the stage for a smooth, profitable lease term. Because here’s the truth: good tenants stick around when they feel taken care of, and that starts before they ever move in.

At Appliance Rescue Service, we’ve seen what happens when landlords cut corners — and it isn’t pretty. A dead fridge on move-in day, a dryer that takes three hours to finish a cycle, an AC system choking on a dirty filter in August. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re tenant deal-breakers.

So, if you’re serious about keeping your Dallas-area rental running smoothly, don’t just “get by” — get ahead. Use this timeline, book your service calls early, and let ARS help you keep your appliances (and your tenants) happy.

Call: (214) 599-0055

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Additional Reading

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips