Thankful today for our veterans especially these two. my dad and big brother.

1. Check your HVAC system-  look for a maintenance log it is usually posted on the furnace.  If it has been longer than a year since it has been looked over and cleaned by a professional, you may want to get that done.  If the furnace is more than 15 years old, consider having the furnace replaced.  There are many incentives to replacing your furnace, such as tax credits, rebates, and possible financing grants if you qualify.  The biggest incentive of course, is saving money on your heating bill.

2. Fireplace and chimney- Do you use your fireplace to heat your home?  If so, be mindfull of  unburned wood particulates, hydrocarbon, tar fog.  When these substances ascend up through the fireplace, they linger when they reach the cooler part of the chimney, and contribute to condensation. The end result is a residue that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney, as this is how creosote is formed.  Eliminate your risk for chimney fires with a simple chimney sweep every year before your heating season. Call ACDC Cleaning and Restoration We can perform this Service.!!


3. Inspect your roof-  gutters and downspouts Be ready for your roof and gutters to encounter more wet weather, moss and debris.  The best advice is to have your roof inspected by a professional if you’re unsure of your roofs condition.  Otherwise, trim back any branches or foliage in close proximity to your roof.  Broom sweep or use an air blower to clean off debris from your roof surface, don’t use a pressure washer.  Clean out your gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are all properly mounted and prepared to be put to work.  Consider upgrading your gutters with debris covers.

4. Trim back trees near your home- There’s nothing like having a tree or a large branch drop on your home during the winter.  For starters, if the weather conditions are that severe to cause a tree to fall, chances are that your turn around time on repairs by a professional are going to be delayed due to the same severe weather.  In the meantime, you have a house that is now exposed to the elements and at a high risk for further damage from moisture and mold.  If it’s a large branch, you might hear a big ‘THUD’ hit your roof, but you don’t see where the object is when you investigate.  Later, you discover that the branch impaled your roof like a spear, and let all the rain in your attic during November.

5. Check windows and doors for drafts- There are lots of tips on the web for how to seal drafts in windows and doors.  The most common recommendations include replacing your weather stripping around the exterior doors, re-caulking and sealing your window frames, and using shrink film to seal in your windows from drafts.  Keeping your curtains closed will also help keep the heat in.

6. Reverse your ceiling fan- There is a switch on your ceiling fan that changes the fans spin direction.  For summer, your fan should be turning counterclockwise, to push the air downward for a fanning effect.  During the winter, the fan should be turning clockwise to draw warm air upwards and dispense the warm air throughout the home.  You may want to dust the fan while you’re up there.



7. Fire and carbon monoxide safety- First off, check every detector in your home.  Replace batteries, test, and confirm that you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors functioning correctly to keep your family safe.  Next, have a fire escape plan – you should have at least two different escape routes planned out.  If you do nothing else, these two tasks are the most important.  Now think about all the various electrically powered creature comforts and tools you use either regularly or seasonally.  Examples of this are toaster ovens, cell phone chargers, electric blankets, televisions, game consuls, etc.  None of these appliances are safe to be left running unattended, as there is someone living in this world that can tell you a fire starting story about any of them.  Disconnect your dryer from the electric plug and vent, and clean out all the lint that you find behind, in and around your dryer.  Use the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner to reach beyond your lint trap and get as much lint out as you can.  There are ‘life hacks’ on the web that show you how to use lint to get a campfire burning, that would be a better use than an unintentional fire.  The key is preventive maintenance and inspection.  Anything that uses electricity can be a potential fire hazard.

8. Call ACDC Cleaning and Restoration- to schedule a time to clean your homes flooring and general cleaning we have a limited number of appointments available before the holidays so don't miss out. (435)554-8383, also in Smithifield and northern cache valley (435)563-8383.