As fall looms just days away, it’s time to start thinking about your home improvement plan for this final quarter of 2019. Before you get swept up in all the hubbub and hullabaloo of the holidays, it really does pay to make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row when it comes to home maintenance.
Updating windows
If your home has older windows – think single pane, wood frames – then you’ve probably noticed that your power bills can be pretty pricey in the summer. But high energy costs aren’t over just yet – in the winter, these types of windows (or any windows that don’t properly lock air) won’t keep your home as warm as they should. This is because cold air will seep in as the hot air from your home escapes – so be on the lookout for those drafty windows. Depending on several factors like your location, the size of your home, number of windows, and the type of replacement windows you choose, parts and installation for new windows could add up into the thousands. That being said, your home’s windows affect your curb appeal, not to mention your energy bills.
Insulating the attic
Much in the same way you need to ensure your windows perform, you can also lose heat through an underinsulated attic. Insulating your attic with rolls of insulation or spray foam insulation is a good way to keep your warm air from escaping and your energy costs down. And this fix won’t break the bank.
Inspect HVAC
Obviously there’s almost nothing worse than the feeling you get when your AC stops working in the dead heat of summer. But fall is also a great time to get your HVAC inspected before the cold months ahead. It’s better to know there’s a problem with your HVAC now than to wait until it breaks down. In this way, you can make a more informed choice about repair or replacement.
Dryer vent cleaning
You don’t want a fire in your home, but chances are there’s something lurking in your dryer vents that is way more dangerous than it looks. We’re talking about lint. When dry lint accumulates in your dryer vent, you’re vulnerable. Ensuring your dryer vents are clear is just one of the services you can get with Ned Stevens.
Condition hardwoods
If you’ve got hardwood floors, give them a polish before the dry, arid air of winter settles in. Wood tends to expand and contract a bit with differences in temperature and humidity. That’s why music stores keep their guitars in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. If you’ve got carpet, now is still a good time for a steam cleaning – especially if you’re concerned about the holiday side-eye you might get from a judgy relative for having less than sparkling clean carpets.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Fall is when leaves fall. They’re headed straight for your gutters and your lawn. Before you get exhausted from raking (and raking and raking) give Ned Stevens a call. We can help you keep your gutters clean this fall, and that’s important. It’s important because, when you don’t clean your gutters, they become a breeding ground for molds, algae and bacteria – not to mention the fact that your neighborhood birds might just nest there. Clogged gutters are also a danger to your soffits and fascia- your gutters weren’t meant to hold nearly endless amounts of debris. And just one fall gutter cleaning won’t really cut it. We recommend three.
Underground drain snaking
Your gutters are designed to divert water away from your home. When your gutter’s drains (underground or otherwise) get clogged, you’ve got a problem. Rain water can back up into your yard and pool near your home’s foundation. These two problems spell trouble – from landscaping damage to basement flooding to even a cracked foundation.
Before your gutters or dryer vents instigate carnage on your home, call Ned Stevens.
We’ve got solutions like service plans to keep your home protected year-round. Want to learn more? Call us today and get $25 off your first cleaning or $50 your first enrollment in our Diamond Service Plan!
