Five Ways to Keep Your House Warmer This Season

As the cooler weather settles in, keeping your house warm becomes a top priority for comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Cold drafts and inefficient heating can make your home feel unwelcoming and lead to skyrocketing energy bills. However, there are several practical steps you can take to ensure your house stays warmer during the coming months. Here are five ways to keep you both cozy and comfortable at home.

Seal Drafts and Gaps

One of the most effective ways to keep your house warmer in the winter is to seal any drafts and gaps that allow cold air to infiltrate your home. Start by inspecting doors and windows for leaks, and use weather stripping or caulk to seal them. Don't forget to check for gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and other openings.

Upgrade Insulation

Proper insulation is key to maintaining a warm and cozy home during the winter. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to reduce heat loss. Consider adding extra insulation to older homes or those with inadequate insulation to ensure a consistent indoor temperature.

Maximize Natural Heat

Harness the power of natural heat sources. During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight, which not only brightens your home but also provides warmth. At night, close them to keep the heat in. Heavy curtains or drapes can act as an additional barrier against the cold. 

Optimize Your Heating System

A well-maintained heating system is essential for a warm house. Schedule regular maintenance to ensure that your furnace or heat pump is running efficiently. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day.

Get an Energy Audit

Eversource offers an in-home energy audit where you work with a specialist to take advantage of energy-saving opportunities. Some of the benefits include air sealing, and rebates for efficient heating, cooling, and water heating equipment upgrades.

As winter approaches, it's important to take steps to ensure your house remains warm and comfortable. By sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, using heavy curtains, optimizing your heating system, and incorporating other simple measures, you can create a cozy and energy-efficient environment in your home. These efforts will not only keep you warm but also help reduce your energy bills, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective living space. With these practical tips, you can enjoy the winter season without the discomfort of a cold house.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Need a New Roof? Don't Ignore This Crucial Step

If you’re a regular reader, you know that roof insulation, ventilation, and airflow are my favorite topics to talk about. The reason I tend to focus on these areas is that, in nearly 50 years of business, I still cannot tell you how many homes in our area suffer from mold, mildew, and moisture problems. A house that can’t breathe is one that harbors bacteria, so not only are people living less comfortably than they should, but they are also subjecting themselves to long-term health problems like asthma, allergies, and lung function. 

No homeowner actually wants to believe their home is allowing moisture to thrive and many are intimidated by taking the proper steps to fix the problem. What’s worse is that many insurance companies won’t cover the cost of attic ventilation, which means that homeowners are skipping a crucial step in the re-roofing process. So let’s make this simple to understand. Here are five reasons why attic ventilation is absolutely necessary:

1. It’s the only way a roof will meet its life expectancy.

2. A shingle warranty will be void without it. 

3. It keeps a building up to code.

4. It ensures that the roof vents themselves are sufficient. 

5. It helps to guarantee that a replacement roof will be worth the thousands you’ll spend on it. 

In addition to the financial and structural benefits, there are comfort reasons too. Proper attic ventilation fights summer heat build-up and reduces the risk of ice dams and moisture in the winter. It keeps a house warmer in cold months and cooler in hot months so energy bills are lower and heating and air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard. Plus, as I mentioned before, you’re lowering your risk of mold and mildew taking a stronghold in your attic, which can then spread into your living space and affect the air that you breathe every single day. 

According to a poll conducted by Roofing Contractor Magazine, more than 75% of North American homes today have improper attic insulation, including insufficient or incorrect ventilation. If you’re getting your roof quotes from quality-focused contractors, this step will most certainly come up in conversation because, without it, your investment is pretty much doomed. Proper insulation and ventilation keep a roof healthy and stable which means it’s much less likely to be damaged during the 20-plus years of abuse Mother Nature will throw at it, and then some. 

The bottom line? Make sure you deal with a roofing company that’s reputable and knows what they are doing. If there is no mention of insulation and ventilation in an initial conversation about replacing your roof, you’re better off looking elsewhere. How you replace your roof is your choice, but you deserve to know and understand all the options available. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Best Practices for Safe and Efficient Leaf Raking

While the falling leaves look beautiful this time of year, the task of raking is one that most homeowners dread. To ensure a tidy yard and make the most of this season, here are some best practices for effective leaf management.

1. Timing is Key: Start your leaf-raking at the right time. Ideally, you should wait until the majority of the leaves have fallen, but if you have physical limitations, tackling the job in stages makes for lighter work. Monitor your trees and the weather to find a sweet spot, and don’t take on more than you can handle.

2. Choose the Right Tools: Invest in the right tools to make your job easier. A good quality rake is essential. There are different types of rakes, such as leaf rakes, thatch rakes, and adjustable rakes. Leaf blowers can also be a time-saving option for larger yards and leaf claws or grabbers make pick-up easier. 

3. Plan Your Approach: Before you start raking, take a moment to plan your approach. Determine where you'll pile the leaves and the most efficient route for clearing your yard. It's usually best to work from the outer edges of your yard towards the center, pushing the leaves into piles.

4. Rake Efficiently: While raking, use a smooth and steady motion to guide leaves into piles. Avoid abrupt jerking movements, which can be strenuous on your back and arms. Maintain a comfortable posture, take short breaks to avoid fatigue, and keep those shoulders down.

6. Bagging or Mulching: Decide whether you want to bag the leaves or use a mulching mower to break them down. Bagging is a more thorough approach, but mulching can be an eco-friendly alternative. Mulched leaves can be beneficial for your lawn, as they decompose and enrich the soil.

8. Yard Waste Disposal: Properly dispose of your collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside leaf pickup or have designated locations for yard waste. If you choose to compost the leaves, make sure they are free from debris like twigs and branches.

9. Embrace Teamwork: If raking leaves is a strenuous task for you, reach out to your neighbors or community for help via your local Facebook group. Most teenagers would love the opportunity to earn a few extra dollars and help out a neighbor. 

10. Maintenance Matters: After you've completed your leaf raking, remember to clean and store your tools properly. Keep your rake clean and dry to extend its lifespan. If you have a gas-powered leaf blower, ensure it's properly maintained and store it safely.

Leaf raking doesn't have to be a daunting chore. By following some best practices, you can make the process more manageable, efficient, and even fun. Remember, the reward is not just a tidy yard but the satisfaction of a job well done and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in autumn. Happy raking!

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.