Last month, we talked about some of the fun things that you can do to prepare for fall – things that you might not want to do, so you can hire someone else to do. This month, we’re going to cover all of the things that you should get checked, but you cannot do yourself. These are the things that require a professional eye and, possibly even more importantly, professional skills.
In State College, winter comes very quickly. In fact, some parts of our service area have already received frost. This means that you need to pick up the pace on your winterizing plans. Thankfully, we’ve sought out some of the best in the local area.
1. Your Heater by JBN Mechanical
Credit: JBN
When the weather gets cold, it gets really, really cold. Too many people think that because they closed the season with a heater that worked well, that it will automatically work well again. That isn’t always the case. Before it gets too cold, you will want to ensure that your furnace is in its best form for the safety and well-being of your family.
JBN Mechanical is a great local company that is fully certified. They perform routine maintenance, repairs, and installations of furnaces in State College homes. They are known to respond quickly to emergency requests and they will help you get the best possible heating system in your home or business. If you are looking to become more energy efficient, they are all-stars at that as well.
2. Your Gutters by JW Gutter Pros
During the fall months, especially if you don’t have a gutter guard, your gutters will clog up with leaves, twigs, and
Credit: JW
other debris – some of it not so pleasant. When the snow and ice comes, that can create a huge problem. Your gutters will clog and water will sit on your roof, making even bigger problems. You need to either install guards that will prevent this from happening or you need to clean out your gutters.
Instead of doing the work yourself, since it is often gross and requires a very tall ladder, you should contact a professional. JW Gutter Pros is a local business that provides not only gutter clean outs, but installation, downspouts, guards, rain protectors, and more. Their team is efficient and intelligent, not only cleaning but looking for problems as they go. If you want a free estimate, go to their website and fill out the form.
3. Your Roof by J.B. Roofing
Credit: J.B.
Sitting water and the elements can cause a lot of problems during the winter months for your roof. It is one of the biggest problems, and it is also, unfortunately, not something that can easily be fixed during those months. Think ahead – if you see problems or think there may be issues, it doesn’t hurt to get an inspection.
J.B. Roofing offers “services that include: lifetime architectural shingles, 40-year metal, and 20-year rubber roofing.” They work with the highest quality materials and ensure that their employees are “certified by GAF and Certainteed as master shingle applicators.” Simply put, they are one of the most educated teams in the County. If you have an older home and you want retain the character of the roofing, you can talk to them about that as well.
4. Your Windows by A.B. Cook and Son
You might not realize it, but your windows let in a lot of hot air. Not only does this make it more difficult to heat your
A.B. Cook
home, it also makes it more expensive. If you have broken windows, it is even worse. Don’t wait until it gets so cold in your home that your family can’t stand it – get them fixed ASAP. The same can be said of your doors and garage door.
A.B. Cook and Son is “PA’s ONLY replacement window, door and garage door specialist.” Their team walks you through every step of the process so that you are comfortable. They won’t push you or force you into buying something you don’t love. Their talented professionals and craftsman will speak frankly with you about what is possible within your budget and the constraints of your home. You will work with the same team throughout, designing, installing, and maintaining your property.
They are completely transparent and will with you through any problems.
5. Your Wiring by Miller Electric
Credit: Miller
Having something go out or short during the winter could mean big problems for you and your loved ones. It can make your home dangerous in multiple ways – it’s too dark, it’s too cold, medical equipment doesn’t work, and you can’t charge your phones. During the summer, this might not be as big of a deal, but sometimes you can’t travel easily during the winter months.
This fall, get Miller Electric to check your wiring and make repairs that you know you need. With a professional staff of more than 20 people, this small business started in State College in the 70s has flourished into a great resource for us. They serve a wide area and provide the best results – whether you need repairs, installations, or something in between.
6. Your Chimney by Top Hat
Another potentially dangerous thing in your home during the winter and fall seasons is your chimney. If you don’t
Credit: Top Hat
get your chimney cleaned properly, you are just inviting problems. If it isn’t sealed off properly at the top, you are inviting some pretty invasive guests into your home as well. A simple cleaning will keep you safe and can act as an inspection at the same time.
Top Hat Chimney & Duct Cleaning has almost 30 years of experience in the State College area. They have a great reputation for having reasonable rates and fantastic work. They are the only chimney company to offer double certified sweeps. Their work is done to the highest standards and they are the “area’s ONLY certified staff holding both the Certified Chimney Professional AND Certified Chimney Relining credentials.”
7. Your Car by Tire Town
Credit: Tire Town
For some of us, the weather doesn’t stop our need to go out and about. When the roads get slick or worse, you might still have to go out and get groceries, buy a shovel, or even go to the hospital. While thinking ahead may stop that, you have no idea what the future will bring in terms of weather. Getting your car repaired and in top working condition, especially your tires and brakes, is a great place to start.
Tire Town is an obvious place to go in State College to get the best tires for the season. They have plenty of options and a great selection that fit almost any vehicle. Even better, their mechanics can fix the problems within your car – whether it is your heater or that window that won’t go up. Get everything fixed early so you can beat the rush of other people doing the same thing.
8. Your Plumbing by Ishler’s
One of the worst things that could happen to your home during the winter months is having a pipe burst. It can be
Credit: Ishler’s
brought on by the cold weather, which is why you should get your pipes checked before that hits. You don’t want to be caught unaware, especially if you tend to go away for the winter months or if you are taking an extended vacation.
Ishler’s Plumbing has over 44 years of experience in the State College area. It has one of the nicest, most honest, most punctual teams in the area. They are extremely well educated in their field, working with homes both old and new, to give you the best results. If you need repairs, they are there for you, if you need a completely new system, the do this too. Ishler’s serves both commercial and residential customers in State College, Bellefonte, and the surrounding areas.
9. Your Tree with Cutting Edge Tree Professionals
Credit: Cutting Edge
It needs to be repeated – trees can be dangerous when the weather gets bad. Trees are heavy already, and when we get ice and snow, they just get heavier. Limbs can fall, causing damage to your home, making a mess, or worse, hit a wire and cause power outages. Those are dangerous when people need to stay warm.
As a resident of your community, you owe to your neighbors and family to keep everything safe. Your duty is to get them checked for signs of problems. If we start now, we can have the problem solved so that you won’t have to worry about anything. Our professional team at Cutting Edge Tree Professionals will examine your trees for signs of problems, trim them so they won’t cause a huge problem, and teach you ways to keep them healthy all season long.
Once the Storm Has Hit, We’ll Be There
Don’t forget that if something does go wrong, many of these companies will be there for you as well. If a storm comes along and damages your trees or you see that a tree isn’t coping well with the cold, give us a call. Don’t touch anything, especially if a tree has fallen on wires.
We will work with you to find solutions that are effective, economical, and efficient.
Header photo courtesy of amy gizienski on Flickr!
Tags: Autumn, DIY, Fall, Homecare