Seasonal Preparations for Aging Homeowners

While getting older has its perks, there are also issues to consider, and in many cases, they revolve around your health. You need to take care of yourself during your later years, and some of the necessary precautions involve your living space. Whether you're aging in place or simply making home modifications to be more comfortable, your property must be in good condition so you stay healthy, especially as the seasons change. 

Avoid Sickness And Injury At Home

For seniors, there’s nothing more important than keeping your living space safe. Doing so takes effort, but doing so may save your life.

Respect Your Detectors

No matter what time of year, smoke and CO2 detectors save lives, and it’s important that yours can do the same for you. Inspect your detectors routinely and replace their batteries when prompted. Whenever you hear that chirp, don’t delay — head to a hardware store right away! If you don’t have as many detectors as you’d like, HandyPro can assist in their installation.

Inspect Your HVAC

It's natural for your immune system to work harder as you get older, so it's best to prepare for the seasons to stay safe and healthy. If you have asthma or allergies, seek out handyperson services so you can do what's necessary to stay safe. Have an expert come out and check your HVAC systems to ensure that they're providing proper ventilation. An expert can also help you install a HEPA filter, which is the best for catching germs.

Get Pest Prevention

The reason your air may be unclean is due to unwanted pets that may be invading your home. So, you need to plan pest prevention by season. For instance, it’s during the springtime and the arrival of the warmer weather when pests start to find a place to live. During this time, have a pest control professional come out to ensure that your house is free of vulnerabilities and that any new nests are destroyed. 

‍

During winter, many pests, including rodents, seek a warm place to go, and your home may be their target. Rats and mice can carry disease, so have a handyman or expert come out to eliminate any potential issues. Finally, have a handyman assist with cleaning your gutters. If they continuously overflow, the water can rot the wood and create pathways for pests.

Keep It Accessible

As you get older, you may find it more difficult to do the things you used to, such as staying balanced. Home modifications like grab bars for the shower and extra handrails for the stairs can keep you on your feet and off your hip. A walk-in transition tub may be an option, too — and you’ll love them on a cold winter evening. HandyPro can assist with many of these accessibility renovations. For wheelchair users, keep your mobility ramp salted to protect it from ice and snow.

Staying Warm On Cold Winter Nights

Living in a cold and drafty home makes it easier to get sick, so hire an expert to help you stay warm during the chilly fall and winter nights. The first step is to determine if you have a problem by calculating heat loss in your home. An HVAC expert can come out and calculate the heat in your home and the loss of energy going through the walls and then tell you if you need additional services. 

‍

Caution is also necessary outdoors, especially if you have sidewalks that can get icy over time. Before the first snowstorm comes around, pretreat sidewalks and the driveway with salt or an acetate-based liquid. This type of treatment will ensure that you can walk safely even after a storm. Contact a local handyman, and they can suggest the ideal preventive measures for your area.

Cut Down On Energy Costs

It's common for many aging homeowners who live on a fixed income to look for ways to save money. You can make many easy home modifications to cut costs while being prepared for the four seasons.

Insulation

Homes rely upon proper insulation to keep the temperature stable, especially in the colder months. Energy costs will shoot up with poor insulation as HVAC tries to keep up. When inspecting your home, make sure to take the following steps:

‍

• Seal the windows: Windows should be tightly sealed by a professional. They may detect difficult-to-see fractures.
• Fix the roof: Due to the ravages of storms and time, cracks can open up in the roof. Leaks that invite both air and water can get through, taking a toll on your HVAC. Make sure to get your roof inspected and maintained.
• Weather-stripping: Professionals can apply weather-stripping to doors and windows, protecting your home from the elements and temperature loss.
• Close the curtains: Besides looking pretty, curtains protect your home from heat. Always keep them closed in the winter.

‍

You can try numerous techniques to chill-proof your space. Doing so will keep you warm and your wallet happy. If you find these ineffective, call HandyPro to add extra insulation to your home and check for and fill in leaks to stop drafts.

Consider Solar Panels

Once you’ve had a professional evaluate and perfect your insulation, you may want to look at other ways to reduce your overall utility bills. Many find that solar panels are a great option. While the initial investment may be higher, you'll spend less on electricity overall. However, before you move forward, you need to decide if solar panels are worth the investment. Evaluate local financial incentives and energy laws, as well as your home’s capacity for panels. Lastly, keep in mind that you'll need to pay off the panels over time while still paying an electric bill. 

Conclusion

Take the proper precautions around your home so you can stay safe and healthy as you grow older. Your house is supposed to be your safe space, so contact HandyPro at your earliest convenience. The pros can assist and do what’s right so you can enjoy every season to the fullest.