roofing Archives - Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Stormy weather comes with a lot of damage and expenses to all homeowners. However, you can reduce the impact you experience through proper preparation of your home. Our pros at Acosta Heating, Cooling, & Electrical in Charlotte, NC recommend getting the necessary assistance early enough. We can help you analyze the condition of your systems and guide you on the required action.

Calling the experts for help early enough is essential for your peace of mind. As the weather worsens, more people schedule last-minute appointments, making it hard to secure an appointment. However, when you reach out in good time, you will have time to prepare and make the necessary changes. We have explained some things you should do to prepare for Mother Nature’s hit.

Surge Protection

During stormy weather, you can expect fluctuations in the power supply system, leading to frequent surges. This can also arise due to lightning since the rush of charge from the sky can hit your house, causing a surge in electricity. If you do not have an appropriate surge protection system, you risk damage to your wiring, electronics, and even the entire property.

The sudden power increase can cause a fire or electrocute anyone operating an electronic at that moment. Therefore, you need to invest in a whole-house surge protection system. This will help absorb and redirect the excess current, thus protecting your home. This way, you can have peace of mind regardless of the power fluctuations.

Backup Generators

We also recommend getting a backup generator that can support your entire home. Severe weather always comes with power outages due to fallen power poles, disconnected lines, or other electrical issues. In most cases, these situations cannot get fixed until the weather clears. Therefore, you need an alternative power source to keep your house systems running while you wait.

With a generator, you can keep your lights, heating, and other essential electronics running during the blackout. Our Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical pros recommend getting an automatic generator that immediately takes over the power supply. The system connects to the home’s wiring and immediately switches on when the power supply cuts. This way, you can keep your fridge running and enjoy comfort despite the storm outside.

HVAC Maintenance and Repairs

Do not wait for a storm if you do not know the condition of your HVAC system. You need your heating to be in top-notch shape so you and your loved ones can remain comfortable even during the downpour. Therefore, you should contact our comfort consultants to check your system for faults. A maintenance check reveals any potential issues that may impact the system’s operation. We arrest the problem, thus preventing it from worsening. However, when you already have a problematic system, we recommend prompt repairs to avoid breakdowns during a stormy night. Do not ignore the signs of trouble since they may cost you comfort and peace of mind. Professional repairs can save you from incurring expensive future costs. Your system will also not strain to heat your home throughout the day since you may stay indoors for most of the storm.

Contact expert comfort consultants to fix the following issues:

Uneven heating
Reduced airflow
Unusual noises from the system
Slow heating
Noisy ducts
Flickering thermostat

Indoor Air Improvement

Since you will most likely stay indoors during a storm, ensuring you breathe quality air is essential. Check with our Acosta Heating, Cooling, & Electrical specialists to know what you can improve in your home. We recommend investing in a dehumidifier to help get rid of the excess moisture, especially if it is raining heavily. We also check the HVAC system for leakage in the ducts, which may be the cause of allergens in your house. By sealing the gaps and cleaning the ducts, you can have clean air that will not result in frequent allergies.

Roof Inspection

Another crucial step in preparing for severe weather is getting a roof inspection. Your roofing structure is the contact point for the weather elements, and you need to ensure that it is in top-notch shape. You need to schedule an inspection appointment with a professional roofer to identify any causes of alarm. This appointment is to check the shingles or covering material and every part of the structure. The roofer must inspect even the gutters, flashing, and roof interior.

This way, you can get detailed information on how well the structure can withstand the coming season. If you have a damaged roof, ensure you schedule immediate repairs to fix the weak areas. Seal all leaking points to avoid water damage in the attic or ceiling. It is also crucial to ensure that the gutters function optimally.

Remove all debris and secure the water channels so the excess water from the roof can drain efficiently. A damaged roof also affects your HVAC efficiency. The air seeping through the cracks interferes with the filtered and heated air, reducing the speed of temperature regulation. Consequently, indoor air quality drops, and heating units consume more energy. Therefore, when you fix your roof, you improve the heating capacity for your HVAC system, allowing everyone to stay warm and comfortable.

Pack the Essentials

Since you do not know how long you may stay indoors, it is crucial to have enough supplies to last your family. Ensure you shop for these things early enough and check the expiry dates. Going for the last-minute rush will lead to disappointments since you may forget essential items. Sometimes, they may go out of stock, especially when people start buying items in panic mode.

These are the things you should ensure you have:

First-aid kit
Non-perishable food
Water
Extra phone
Flashlights and extra batteries
blankets
Fuel for the generator
Emergency money

Secure the House

As you approach the season for severe weather, ensure you protect the outside of your home from damage. The first step is removing all debris, branches, and unwanted items in your compound. These can cause extensive damage when carried by strong winds. You should also trim all trees around your house, ensuring no branches hang over your structure.

Cut off all loose branches, which can easily break off when blown by strong winds. You should also ensure no branches or debris obstruct your vents to increase airflow into the house. Afterward, invest in boards or metal plates to protect your windows from getting hit by stray items. Seal all gaps in the windows and doors with caulk so no cold draft will penetrate your home.

Cold air usually reduces the indoor temperature, making it hard to maintain your set temperature. This strains your heating system, causing it to overwork and consume more energy.

Choose Our Comfort Consultants

Our team in Charlotte provides quality HVAC and electrical services so you can enjoy comfort and peace of mind. We install, replace, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses. Our technicians have decades of experience and can help you attain indoor comfort throughout the year. We also provide top-quality electrical services for residential and business premises.

You can count on us for wiring, panel upgrades, ceiling fan installation, installing EV charging stations, and fixing lights and outlets. We attend to each call with the same urgency and work hard to attain customer satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to call us for more information or to book an appointment.

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The upcoming winter chills mean it’s time to prepare your home for the icy strike. A properly maintained house can stand against even the worst winter conditions. This winter home maintenance checklist provides a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your home against potential issues that could turn into costly repairs. While some tasks seem simple enough for the DIY homeowner, it’s worth considering professional maintenance. Experts have the equipment and trained eyes to spot and address problems you might overlook. Your home is one of your most significant investments; ensure it’s protected this winter.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

A professional roof inspection is one of the most critical steps in winter home maintenance. A sturdy, leak-free roof is your home’s primary defense against the elements. While you can certainly look for visible signs of damage, trained professionals can detect issues that are not readily apparent to the untrained eye.

Roofing professionals will check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles that could let in water when snow and ice begin to thaw. They’ll also assess the structural integrity of your roof, ensuring it can bear the weight of heavy snowfalls. Importantly, they can spot early signs of a failing roof that could lead to significant problems if not promptly addressed.

Scheduling a professional roof inspection before winter arrives is a wise investment. It can save you from expensive water damage repairs later on and provide peace of mind that your home is prepared to weather the winter storms. Remember, preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs. For residents of Charlotte, NC, [company_name] is a trusted company that can provide quality HVAC maintenance and repairs.

Check the Insulation Proper insulation is one of the most crucial things in maintaining a warm and comfortable home during winter. This also saves energy expenditure as it prevents heat loss from the house. While you can check the insulation in visible areas, consider hiring a professional to assess your home’s overall insulation. They will ensure it is adequately and correctly installed, providing an essential defense against winter’s chill. They can also identify areas that need additional insulation, such as attics and walls.

Additionally, professionals can check for any air leaks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets that could let cold air in. These small gaps can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels during the winter. Sealing them up with weatherstripping or caulking is a quick and easy fix that professionals can handle in no time.

Service Your HVAC System Your HVAC system is the heart of your home’s comfort. Getting your HVAC system professionally inspected just before winter is crucial. They will clean or replace filters, check for potential issues, and ensure the unit runs efficiently. Properly maintained HVAC systems are essential as they keep you warm, reduce energy usage, and avoid equipment failure in winter.

Professionals may also inspect your ducts during maintenance to check for leaks or other damages that would cause heat loss. They can also check and repair the insulation around your ductwork if necessary. Properly functioning HVAC systems help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home while reducing energy costs.

Inspect Windows and Doors Inspecting windows and doors is another crucial step in preparing your home for the winter. These areas are common heat loss culprits, leading to increased energy bills and a chilly home. A DIY inspection can reveal visible issues like broken seals or cracks in the glass, but hiring a professional for a comprehensive assessment is recommended.

Professionals utilize advanced tools and techniques to identify more subtle issues, such as gaps in weatherstripping or alignment problems. They can also ensure your doors and windows are properly insulated and sealed to prevent drafts. Even minor drafts can significantly affect your home’s energy efficiency and warmth.

In addition to inspecting the windows and doors, professionals can also assess the framework and surrounding walls. They can identify and address issues like decay, water damage, or pest infiltration, which could compromise the integrity of your windows and doors over time.

Moreover, window and door professionals can provide valuable advice on the best types of windows and doors for energy efficiency. They can guide you in selecting double or triple-glazed windows or doors with proper insulation and weatherstripping, which can be highly beneficial for homes in colder climates.

Prepare the Exterior Before the first snowfall, it’s essential to prepare the exterior of your home for winter. This includes cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice dams. Hiring a professional for this task is highly recommended, as they have specialized equipment to safely and efficiently clear debris from your gutters.

Professionals can also check for any damage or blockages in your roof’s drainage system, which could lead to water buildup and potential leaks. They can also assess the condition of your home’s foundation and repair any cracks or gaps that could let in cold air.

Lastly, professionals can provide valuable advice on landscaping and tree maintenance to prevent branches from damaging your home during winter storms. Removing dead or overhanging branches can prevent them from breaking and causing costly damage to your roof or windows.

Schedule an Inspection for Your Plumbing System A professionally conducted plumbing system inspection is imperative to winter home maintenance. As temperatures drop, any water left in your pipes can freeze, leading to pipe expansion and potential bursts, a costly and messy problem to address. A qualified plumber will thoroughly inspect your plumbing system, identifying areas at risk for freezing and offering solutions such as insulation or heat tape.

The inspection will also cover water heaters, which work overtime during cold months to provide hot showers and warm water for washing dishes and laundry. Regular maintenance can prevent sudden breakdowns, ensuring consistent performance throughout winter. A professional will check the system for leaks, sediment buildup, or operational issues, resolving them proactively to prevent disruptions to your daily routines. Furthermore, they can assess if your water heater is energy-efficient or suggest upgrades if it’s not.

Another aspect professionals will evaluate is the outdoor fixtures and irrigation systems. These are often overlooked but can be severely impacted by freezing temperatures. Professionals will ensure they are adequately winterized, preventing potential leaks when spring arrives.

Lastly, a professional plumbing inspection will include the sewer system. Winter can exacerbate existing issues, turning minor problems into major headaches. A professional will inspect for blockages, ensuring your system is in tip-top shape to handle winter’s challenges.

Do Not Forget the Fireplace The cold days of winter are ideal for sitting around a warm fireplace. Before doing so, however, ensure that the fireplace is secure and operational. A professional chimney sweep will remove any deposits of Creosote, which is quite flammable and may be a fire threat. They can also check for any blockages or damage in the chimney, ensuring proper ventilation. Additionally, they can inspect the fireplace itself, looking for any cracks or issues with the flue.

Professionals can also provide tips on maintaining your fireplace throughout the winter season. These should include regular cleaning of ash and debris, good firewood, and closing the flue whenever it is not used to minimize heat loss. A fireplace that is in good condition offers comfort, as well as assurance of safety.

Don’t leave your winter home maintenance to chance. Choose [company_name] as your trusted partner in Charlotte, NC. We’re experts in ensuring your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the chilly season. From checking your HVAC systems to inspecting your electrical connections, we’ve got you covered! Call us today for a comprehensive winter home inspection.

Category: roofing

How to Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather

Your Winter Home Maintenance Checklist