CNS Construction - October 2024

Easy Steps to Prep for Cold Weather Don’t Let Winter Freeze Your AC

unit, but one that will keep things from falling into the top. Even a piece of plywood can work as a suitable cover. If you have a heat pump, however, you shouldn’t worry about covering the unit. Before winter arrives, clean your unit to the best of your ability. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris on top or inside the unit. You can even

“Game of Thrones” may have coined the phrase, “Winter is coming,” but it’s the reality we all face this time of year. The temperature is dropping, and winter’s cold, snow, and freezing conditions will soon envelop us. There’s always much to do to prepare for cold weather, and you may not realize your air conditioning unit needs

some attention. Taking a few extra steps to protect your air conditioning unit will ensure it’s ready when you need it again when the heat returns.

use a garden hose to rinse the outside. Once you’ve cleaned it out and are sure the warm weather is over, cut the power

supply to your unit. This will ensure your unit doesn’t turn on during an unusually warm winter day.

Winterizing your AC unit protects it from snow, ice, and rust. It also prevents unwanted critters from

invading your unit and making it their home for the winter. The process can seem daunting if you’ve never touched your AC unit before, but it only takes a few minutes and is easier than you think.

Once the cold weather arrives, don’t ignore your AC unit until spring returns. Continue to check on it to ensure the cover is doing its job and remove critters nesting below or near it. Replacing and repairing an AC unit can become expensive quickly. Be proactive and winterize your unit to

If your unit is under a tree or in an area where icicles or snow could fall into it, invest in a cover. You don’t need a cover over the entire

reduce risk and lengthen its lifespan.

How Do I Choose a Good Home Improvement Contractor? ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR

Seek out a specialist. While you may be tempted to hire a jack-of-all-trades, choose a contractor who specializes in the work you need. A roofing crew that repairs and installs roofs all year long is more likely to do a perfect job than someone who offers to build your bathroom, rehab your basement, and install your roof as an afterthought. Trust your gut. Look for a contractor who communicates openly and honestly, starting with your first meeting. Take note of how well the contractor answers your questions and how quickly they respond to calls, emails, or texts. Finding a level of comfort and trust with a contractor can make a major difference in your outcome. We would love to hear your questions and answer them here each month. Email us at hello@cnsconstruction.io with “Ask Your Contractor” in the subject line, and we will do our best to respond!

authenticity. Also, ask for references. A trustworthy contractor should be able to direct you to satisfied customers for testimonials about their work. Explore their experience. Make sure your contractor won’t be jumping into your project brand-new. Ask how many years of experience their workers have in doing the kind of job you want done. Make sure the team leads and skilled workers have a proven track record of successful completion. Look for certified installers. Manufacturers’ certifications amount to a promise of skilled, reliable work. If your contractor is certified by the manufacturer of the roofing, decking, or other building materials being used, they have undergone extensive training and can meet exacting standards. Basically, it means they will do the work right.

Finding a trustworthy contractor for your home construction or repair project is essential to your peace of mind. Unfortunately, a few bad actors have given the industry a bad rep. As you look for the right fit, keep these tips in mind. Check the reviews. Reputable contractors usually have plenty of positive online reviews. Examine each review for realistic details and specifics about a particular project, to check their

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