Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Test detectors and replace batteries to ensure functionality, especially since homes tend to be closed up more in cooler weather Even if Florida, there can be occasional freezes. Ensure that garden hoses are detached and that sprinkler systems are adequately winterized As temperatures drop, pests often seek warmer places. Seal any openings in the house to prevent rodents and insects from entering Schedule a pest inspection to ensure no infestations develop If your home has a fireplace, get the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected to prevent fires Stock up on firewood and store it in a dry place Inspect holiday lights for frayed cords or damaged sockets before hanging them up Ensure outdoor decorations are secured to withstand winds and don’t pose tripping hazards Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

Thermostats are essential for regulating temperature, helping Floridians stay comfortable while optimizing energy efficiency. Since Florida’s climate can swing from hot and humid summers to mild winters, a well-chosen thermostat and proper placement can make a significant difference in a home’s energy usage. Here’s a look at the different types of thermostats commonly used in Florida homes, where they should be placed for optimal performance, associated costs, and the most common issues homeowners encounter. 1. Manual (Non-Programmable) Thermostats Manual thermostats, also known as mechanical thermostats, are the most basic option, allowing homeowners to set their preferred temperature manually. These units are affordable and simple to operate, making them a popular choice in older homes or rental properties. Placement: Manual thermostats should be placed on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, drafts, or any heat-producing appliances to prevent inaccurate readings. Placing it

In Florida, home heating may not take center stage as it does in colder states, but it still plays an essential role in maintaining comfort and ensuring energy efficiency. From central heating systems to space heaters, Florida homes use several types of heating units, each with unique maintenance needs, costs, and potential complications. Here’s a breakdown of the most common heating units found in Florida homes, their upkeep, and the common issues homeowners may encounter. 1. Heat Pumps Heat pumps are one of the most popular heating options in Florida due to the region's mild winter temperatures. Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps operate by transferring heat rather than generating it, which is especially efficient in moderate climates. Heat pumps can also reverse to provide cooling, making them a dual-purpose system perfect for Florida. Maintenance and Replacement Costs: Regular maintenance for a heat pump includes twice-yearly servicing (usually in spring and fall) t

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Replace HVAC filter Check heating elements and systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. While we don’t have intense winters, there can still be chilly nights Schedule any servicing for heat pumps or other heating systems, if not already done in October Adjust ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to redistribute warm air that rises to the ceiling, an helping to heat rooms more effectively Reinspect the roof for any damage or leaks and ensure gutters are free of debris , especially after the fall season Clear out any leaves, or other debris that may have accumulated Fertilize the lawn with a winter formula to promote root growth Address insects or fungus issues that may damage the grass during the cooler months Install weatherstripping on doors and windows or use draft stoppers to keep the cooler air out and the warm air in Check for any cracks in window panes and repair them to improve

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just the ghosts, goblins, and spooky costumes that come out to play. We’ve noticed a few frightful misconceptions about home inspections that seem to creep out of the shadows as well! Let's see if we can tame a few of those myths. Here are some of the most common home inspection myths, debunked with a little Halloween twist… :) Myth 1: "The Home Inspector is a Witch!" 🧙‍ Okay, so no one actually thinks we fly around on brooms, but many believe we have magical powers to see through walls and predict the future. While we'd love to pull out a crystal ball and give you an exact timeline of future repairs, home inspections are about assessing the current state of the house—not predicting unseen curses. 🔍 Truth: We don’t need any magic to do a thorough job! Using technology like moisture meters, thermal imaging, and good ol’ experience, we can spot potential problems. But remember, we aren’t clairvoyants. While we give you a clear pict