Things you MUST do

• Change AC filters to ensure heating efficiency. It’s also important to run the heater at least one day in the winter to “burn off” excess dust that accumulates. Run it for about ten minutes, or until the burning dust smell has dissipated.
• Check all smoke detectors and change batteries if needed. Winter is the time for lighting candles and fireplaces, so it’s important to ensure that your emergency equipment is up-to-date should an emergency arise
• Cover outdoor plants to create an individual greenhouse effect to protect from sudden cold snaps
• Inspect for possible mold. Focus on areas that usually get a lot of moisture, but you don’t necessarily pay attention to, like the back of the washing machine or refrigerator. If you suspect mold, call a mold remediation specialist right away. They usually give free estimates!
• Check windows and doors for drafts and seal any cracks. The last thing you want is to have a 40 degree evening and your heater is struggling to keep up.

Things you might need to do:

• Switch out Christmas lights from incandescent to LED to save on energy. It can get expensive to replace incandescent bulbs often, especially when the bulbs are so tiny. More and more Americans are switching to LED holiday lights, and for good reason! The low heat, low energy bulbs barely change your electric bill for December!
• Update insulation. Insulation has a very long life, sometimes for decades! If your insulation was installed in 1998, it might be time to update.
• Overseed your lawn. With Florida’s mild winter, it's best to overseed your lawn in early December for a lush green landscape!
• Adjust irrigation schedule to account for less evaporation and less rainfall.
• Replenish hurricane supplies. We had two this year in 2024 and we’re still not out of the woods yet, so you likely need to replenish what you used: bottled water/water filter, propane, flashlights and batteries, candles, non-perishable foods, etc.

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