Winter might not officially start until December 22 this year, but that date’s going to sneak up on us with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Plus, it gets chilly in Arizona long before that, so you need to start preparing your Scottsdale home for the cold weather by the time Thanksgiving is here.
When you get the following chores done in November, you can relax and enjoy the cooler weather in December while staying nice and toasty.
Prepare Your Fireplace or Fire Pit
If you have a fireplace in your Scottsdale home, it’s probably been ignored since last winter. Before you light a fire to warm up the family room on a cold winter night, check to make sure the flue is open and that the chimney doesn’t have a buildup of creosote. If it does, consider having it professionally cleaned if you don’t have the tools or skills to do it yourself.
If the backyard of your Scottsdale home has a fire pit, make sure it’s clean and ready to be lit this winter. Of course, also make sure you stock up on firewood now so you don’t have to scramble to find something to burn in the fire pit at the last minute.
Try Out Your Heater
This is another aspect of your Scottsdale home that you probably forget about for most of the year, but it’s just as important to maintain as your air conditioner. First, if you haven’t replaced the air filter in a few months, now is the time to do it to ensure the air that blows throughout your house is not only warm, but also clean.
Before you turn on that heater, make sure you can keep the heated air inside your house and the cold air out. This means you should check for leaks around windows and doors and add caulk or new weather stripping when necessary.
Defend Your Home from Freezing Weather
Sure, Scottsdale doesn’t get too many freezing nights, but there are a few every year. Before you start hearing the freeze warnings in January, you can get your water pipes and plants prepared.
Start by buying pipe insulation, which you can wrap around your pipes when it gets really cold out. You can also simply keep some extra towels or small blankets on hand for the same purpose.
Your plants are also at risk when the weather gets really cold. If you want to maintain the curb appeal of your Scottsdale home this winter, make sure you have some sheets ready to toss on any plants, flowers, or trees that don’t do well in cold weather.
Get Cozy
Winter in Scottsdale is the perfect time to cuddle up on the couch and enjoy a classic Christmas movie with the family, so make sure your house is stocked with everything you need to get comfortable. Start by draping a few plush throws and pillows on your couches. You can also add some thick rugs and ottomans to make any room look more inviting and warm this winter.
Then stock up on hot chocolate, coffee, wine, scented candles, and other winter necessities that you and your loved ones can enjoy together! Of course, if you’re considering buying a Scottsdale home any time soon, feel free to reach out to The Matheson Team today. You can send us a message or call us – and then start viewing Scottsdale homes online – all without even leaving your comfortable couch!
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
