NORTH BROWARD & BOCA Blog

Get your home "winter"-ready in South Florida

Although winter technically begins in December, in South Florida we're lucky enough to enjoy mild weather year-round. But that also means we have to be extra vigilant about keeping our homes in tip-top shape. While Florida doesn’t usually experience cold weather during the winter, it’s still important to prepare your Florida home for the different seasons each year. Seasonal maintenance is important to protect your home from expensive damage caused by storms and other weather conditions. From rainy weather to temperature dips, ensuring your crawl space is dry and protected from water damage will help reduce mold and mildew growth, as well as pests. From reducing moisture build-up to adding waterproofing protection, here are some fall maintenance tips for Florida homeowners. 

1. Start by cleaning up your yard

Remove any dead leaves or branches, and make sure your gutters are clear. This will help prevent water damage during the fall rains.Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage by channeling rainwater away from your roof and foundation. But if they're full of leaves and other debris, they can't do their job properly. That's why it's important to clean them out at least once a year - and fall is the perfect time to do it.

Not sure how to clean out your gutters? No problem! Just follow these simple steps:

• Start by removing any loose leaves and debris from the gutters with your hands or a small shovel.
• Next, use a hose to flush out any remaining dirt and debris.
• Once the gutters are clean, be sure to inspect them for any damage (e.g., holes, cracks, etc.). If you find any, repair them as soon as possible.
• Finally, reattach any loose gutter brackets or hangers that may have come loose during the cleaning process.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your home in top condition - and avoid costly water damage - this fall season!

2. Check your insulation

Replace any damaged insulation or add to your existing insulation to increase its performance. With the cooler season here, it’s the perfect time to tackle your home insulation as this is usually the lower season for contractors in South Florida. That means lower prices and less wait times (unlike in summer where the temperatures make insulation urgent and you sometimes have to wait a couple weeks for an appointment!). And more importantly, you could already start saving on your energy bills over the next few months - an average of 15% per bill. 

There are different types of insulation to upgrade your home:

• Spray Foam Insulation: a high-performance, premium insulation type that transforms from a liquid into a hard foam that fills every crack and corner of your attic. It rejects water and will keep any pests or insects out of your home. 
• Blown-In Insulation: a highly efficient and cost-effective insulation solution where small particles of cellulose or fiberglass are blown into your attic to settle into small gaps. The cellulose option is often made from recycled materials and is therefore more environmentally-friendly while fiberglass offers a good fire- and moisture resistance.
• Batt Insulation: also comes in cellulose or fiberglass versions but in precut sheets that are installed in your attic. Batts are the most cost-effective version and are usually applied in unfinished structures.

Our team at Koala Insulation of North Broward and Boca is here to help you determine if your insulation needs insulation (during our free, in-home insulation evaluation!) and what type would work best for your home. Give us a call today!

3. Have your HVAC system serviced

In addition to insulation, another way to prepare your home for fall is to have your air conditioner serviced. This will help ensure that your AC unit is operating at peak efficiency and will help prevent any issues from arising during the fall season. 

4. Seal our windows and doors

Florida doesn't get as cold as some other parts of the country in winter, but it's still a good idea to make sure your home is well-sealed. This will also help prepare your home for the occasional hurricane that we have in this part of the country.

To check if your doors and windows need to be resealed, do the paper test. Slide a piece of paper (A4 or similar) through a door or window. If it slides or falls, you have gaps that need to be filled.

You can buy caulk or weather stripping at your local hardware store. Sealing up your home is an easy and rewarding project that will add value to your home and keep you more comfortable in the cooler months.

5. Powerwash your windows and siding 

Power washing can improve your home’s appearance and get rid of health hazards like mold and mildew. It’s also a great way to remove buildup, pollen and debris, giving your home a fresh start for the new season. So take advantage of the cooler weather and give your home the deep clean it deserves!

6. Change your fans to rotate counterclockwise 

As we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall, it's time to start thinking about making some changes around the house. One simple change you can make is to switch the direction of your ceiling fans.

In the summer, fans should rotate clockwise to create a cooling breeze. For fall and winter, though, reversing the direction of the blades will push warm air down from the ceiling, helping to heat your home more efficiently.

So if you're looking for an easy way to help keep your home comfortable this season, remember to switch those ceiling fan blades!

In addition to these tips, we also recommend inspecting your roof for leaks or damaged shingles, trimming your trees and bushes, painting your home if it’s in need of some fresh color, inspect your outdoor furniture and get out some fall decor!