Hints for Getting Your Home Winter Ready

It seems like only yesterday that we were basking in the glorious sunshine of the summer, heading to barbeques, venturing down to the beach and enjoying some quality time outdoors with our friends and family. Now that autumn is slowly beginning to creep onto the scene, we are already starting to think about the nights drawing in, the cooler weather and the inevitable emergence of winter. Some people adore the crisper days, the vapour escaping every time you breathe out the cold winter air and the night’s huddled in front of the TV complete with a roaring fire. Winter can be idyllic. However, you must ensure that you prepare your household for the freezing months. Otherwise, you could be heading for a home maintenance disaster.

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Check Your Air Ducts

If you have an HVAC system that provides your home with some much-needed heat, it’s vital that you get it professionally serviced before the onslaught of winter. There are 4 things you need to do before using your heating system this year including filter maintenance, insulation and draft reduction. If you don’t take care of your heating system, you risk it breaking down at the worst possible time of year, leading to some freezing days for you and your loved ones sat huddled together wrapped in layers of clothing and blankets, not to mention the cost of repairing your HVAC. Solid maintenance will result in fewer problems.

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Pipework

If you warm your house via gas central heating, it’s vital that you test your heating now before the pipes have chance to freeze. Frozen pipework can lead to cracks, leaks and blockages that can prevent your heating system from working. By firing your heating up once a week, even for just ten minutes, you are keeping the pipes warm and preventing them from solidifying in the freezing temperatures that could soon be on their way.

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Windows

If you haven’t already, check the windows of your home for drafts. There’s nothing worse than leaving it until the depths of winter only to discover that the double glazing above your bed is letting in a bitterly cold gust of wind into your home every so often. It could be rectified simply by replacing the sealant or could require a full window fascia investigation. Either way, it’s better to sort it out now before winter sets in.

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Insulate

If your home isn’t well insulated, you could find yourself spending a small fortune attempting to keep your home warm as the heat constantly escapes your home. This could be fixed simply by adding cavity wall and loft insulation into your home saving you up to a week’s wages in utility bills every winter. It may be an expensive outlay, but the insulation will pay for itself in only five years.

It’s vital that you begin to prepare early for the chillier winter months. This way, you know that your home will be in perfect order and ready for even the most freezing of conditions that winter has to bring.

Baby First TV 'I Can Sign" First Words

Hey Neighbors! Here is a really neat gift idea for someone with a young child. Here we have I Can Sign (First Words) from Baby First TV. Now, I am just going to share right here that we have friends who have taught two of their children to sign at a very young age. And it works! Their children could sign before they could talk. The Dvd will teach your child many useful words that will be used in day to day life. Words like: eat, water, milk, cookie, ear, feet hands, kiss, sleep, book, mother, father, and many other words. Each word is taught in a short video clip where they will see pictures of the word/item and people signing. There is also a little character at the bottom corner of the video signing along. The Dvd can be done on English or Spanish. Also included on the Dvd are printable coloring pages that you can print off by inserting the Dvd into your computer. Inside the cover of the Dvd case is a little booklet that covers some of the words you and your child

What To Do About Those Fuzzy Uninvited Guests In The Home

When we talk about pests in the home, the most common that we tend to deal with are the creepy-crawlies that find their way in. Ants, termites, and spiders, for instance. Occasionally though, you have a real chance of getting a much bigger, fuzzier unwanted guest in the home. What do you do about the fact your home is at risk of becoming a wildlife sanctuary for some truly unhealthy and even dangerous beasts? Picture by Alexas_Fotos Know the signs It doesn’t matter if you’re in a suburban home, a country cottage, or a fourth-floor apartment. Some animals can find their way just about anywhere. It’s worth knowing the signs of pest infestation so you can confirm it and act on it immediately. Spotting droppings, keeping an ear out for scratching, and looking for signs of nesting like shredded paper, scrunched leaves, and grass clippings around the home without explanation can help you start fighting back. Picture by wolfgang_vodt Cleanliness is key If there’s

Hey neighbors, its with a heavy heart I let you all know that my mom (Lori) unexpectedly passed away the end of June. Our family has been taking the time between now and then to be together and remember what a light mom was. I came on towards the end of last year and was planning on fully moving my interviews and review to this website. I intend to to so partially to keep mommas beautiful website going. Thank you all so much for your love and support over the years. ~Mercy

At the Fence

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