Have a professional to check out your heating and air-conditioning system. If you have a maintenance agreement, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t have a service contract, it may cost you $80 and up to have your heat pump, or furnace inspected. Again, schedule as soon as possible. Make sure the inspection measures for carbon-monoxide leaks. Also, the filters should be changed, Buy extra ones so you can change them when needed.

The sooner you call for furnace maintenance check, the better as you don’t want to call when your furnace breaks. When you research contractors and technicians, look for ones associated with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Make sure they have a certification from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. Anyone you hire should follow the standards of the AACA.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Preparing your home for winter includes reversing your ceiling fans, which is easy to do. Just flip the reverse switch so that the fan’s blades turn clockwise after you turned on your heat. An updraft will occur and push down the hot air that rose to the top of your room. If your house has high ceilings, you may be able to turn down your thermostat a degree or two which may help you to reduce your energy bill.

Did you know that a burst pipe may cost you more than $5,000 in water damage? The good news is that a little winter home maintenance can help prevent this. If you go on vacation, don’t turn your heat down to low because your pipes need heat to prevent freezing. Allow your faucets to drip during cold snaps. Wrap pipes with insulation. You can find fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber at your local hardware or home improvement store. Caulk cracks and holes near pipes to prevent cold air from reaching them. You may also consider contacting a licensed contractor to ensure your pipes are ready for winter.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

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