SW CHICAGO Blog

Will You Be Home in Southwest Chicago for the Holidays?

With so many guests, travel plans, and shopping lists this holiday season, security doesn’t always hold the top spot on your priority list. However, it’s more important than ever to maintain regular safety procedures throughout this winter, especially if you’re planning on traveling. Regardless of whether it’s just for a weekend getaway or you’re gone for most of the month, your home should stay safe and comfortable even when you’re away.

However, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank just to ensure you’re not letting in the neighborhood Grinch. Other intruders like pests and outdoor pollutants can ruin your holidays just as severely. These uninvited guests can damage everything from your window and door sealing to your lawn and foliage. Our team of industry experts at Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago has put together a list of simple and cost-effective ways to keep your home safe throughout the year.

Smart Security Systems

The first step you’ve most likely considered is finding the right security system to install. With advancements in technology and smart devices, there are seemingly infinite possibilities to choose from. A local security service can be beneficial for new homeowners that are unfamiliar with their local neighborhood and crime rates. On the other hand, for households that are constantly in and out of the home, a smart device could be a beneficial alternative.

These systems allow you to remotely lock and secure the home through your phone or online account. They also extend past your typical intruder detection systems - many smart doorbells are also coupled with security cameras and facial recognition to tell you exactly who’s trying to enter your home. However, while these may seem convenient for the regular smartphone user, it’s important to ensure you have other security measures in place in case there’s a malfunction or dead device.

Updated Pest Control

A safe home doesn't only consist of a strong security system. Some of your worst intruders come in the form of troublesome insects and rodents. Having a trustworthy local pest control service regularly check and maintain your property can drastically reduce the risk of infestation, diseases, and other health risks. It’s important to have these inspections regularly so preventative measures can be put in place - when it comes to pest control the saying “it’s better to have and not need, than need and not have” is the standard.

Many services offer low-exposure pesticide and ethical trapping methods so you're not only keeping your home safe but the environment around you as well. Healthy insect repellant and animal deterrent methods are rapidly becoming a more commonplace alternative to harmful chemicals and traps that could not only affect your household but the ecosystem. For more information on smart pest control, the EPA provides tips for consulting pest control professionals.

Regular Insulation Inspections

Unwanted guests aren't the only risks you should take careful precautions against. When it comes to keeping your home safe, that also includes reducing health risks and discomfort. Without proper insulation and air sealing, you could be letting in outdoor pollutants, allowing heat to pass in and out of your home through air leaks, and increasing costs with an overworked HVAC system.

Insulation helps reduce the rate of heat transfer, which is how easily heat enters and exits your building envelope. Coupled with quality air sealing, the material in your home can significantly improve your indoor air quality and reduce the invasion of outdoor pollutants like dust, pollen, and other allergens. Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago offers free evaluations and walks you through the breakdown of our checklist so you can prioritize the needs of your home and budget for better insulation care.

Reliable Lawn Maintenance

Finally, regularly maintaining the nature around the house is crucial in protecting your home. Whether you're responsible for a small front yard or your home is backed up to a wide expanse of forest, it's up to you and your household to keep your environment healthy. It can be especially difficult to navigate for first-time homeowners, but finding a reliable lawn care service will help with pests, irrigation, and environmental health.

Your lawn and garden care shouldn’t strictly consist of mowing the yard and trimming foliage. Plant care, weeding, grass health, and even soil treatment should be the bare minimum your contractor takes care of in their service package. This can not only increase your home’s value, but also reduce your carbon footprint, environmental impact, and pest risk. These professionals can also provide quality consultation on aesthetic changes that won’t harm your lawn quality.

Keeping Your Southwest Chicago Home Safe This Season

The holidays are a hectic but exciting time for many households. This is the season to check your home’s security and safety with so many tips and incoming guests planned. Whether it’s an updated security system, new pest and lawn care, or retrofit insulation, there are plenty of cost-effective changes you can make. If you’re planning on leaving for a holiday vacation or even just a weekend, now is a great time to make these adjustments.

Our team of industry experts at Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago has a number of ways to increase your home's comfort and safety. From removing and updating your current insulation material to fixing air leakage with air sealing, we can improve your indoor air quality, temperature regulation, and even noise reduction. We offer a free evaluation to provide the most cost-effective service as we break down your home's current condition. Contact our team today to learn more about insulation's impact on your home and schedule your free evaluation.