Looking for delicious food at a local establishment to celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day but don’t know who’s open? OpenTable.com might be a handy resource. The restaurants listed on OpenTable are by no means a comprehensive list, but mostly restaurants that conveniently accept reservations. Type in your city/metro and see what pops up for your next dining experience…holidays or not!

https://www.opentable.com/…/christm…/metro/orange-county

đź’ˇ For more home maintenance tips, real estate advice, and fun family ideas, follow us at @carealestategroup — we are more than just real estate!

DayTrippinMom.com

*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***

One of our favorite things to do as a family, is to get in the car, turn on the Christmas station, stop at Starbucks or McD’s for some peppermint hot chocolate, and go looking for Christmas lights. It is one of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions. It gets us in the holiday spirit, and it is doesn’t cost a cent, other than gas money. We can’t wait to do it again this year. If you’re looking for some fantastic places to watch Christmas lights, here is a list of the best neighborhoods and streets in So Cal. Enjoy!!!

*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***

Los Angeles:

  • Sleepy Hollow Christmas Light Extravaganza – Torrance
  • Naples Island – Long Beach
  • Index Street – between Louise and White Oak – Granada Hills
  • Candy Cane Lane -Lubao Ave and Oxnard Street – Woodland Hills
  • Yolanda Lights – Reseda
  • Christmas Tree Lane, Long Beach
    Daisy Avenue between Willow Street & Pacific Coast Highway
  • Christmas Tree Lane – (Santa Rosa Avenue, between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive) Altadena
  • Candy Cane Lane – 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue – El Segundo
  • St Albans Drive- St Albans Drive at Huntington Drive- San Marino
  • Wakefield Court – Saugus
  • Hastings Ranch – Pasadena

Orange County:

  • Candy Cane Lane – El Corzo St, Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Eagle Hills Christmas Lights – 2970 Primrose Ave, Brea
  • La Palma Christmas Lights – 7400 Dallas Dr, La Palma
  • Fountain Valley Christmas Lights – Stanislaus St & Apache River Ave, Fountain Valley
  • Sea Side Neighborhood – San Clemente
  • Yale Loop – Fullerton
  • Oak Knoll/Flintridge Village Neighborhoods – Ladera Ranch
  • Nellie Gail – Laguna Niguel
  • Eastlake Village (around the lake) – Yorba Linda

Inland Empire: 

  • Festival of Lights – Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside
  • Bainbridge Circle Holiday Extravaganza – Bainbridge Cir, Murrieta
  • Candy Cane Lane – 20166 Winton Rd, Corona
  • Menifee Lakes Neighborhood – 28871 Loire Valley Ln
  • Thoroughbred Christmas Lights – 8287 Thoroughbred St, Rancho Cucamonga
  • Chino Christmas Lights – 12388 Lemon Pl, Chino
  • Festival of Lights – Tom’s Farms, 23900 Temescal Canyon Rd, Temescal Valley

San Diego:

  • Carmel Mountain Ranch – Fairway Village/Stoney Gate Place – Carmel Valley
  • Jingle Bell Hill – Pepper Dr Holiday Lights – El Cajon
  • Tinseltown – Paseo Palmas Drive- Lakeside
  • Candy Cane Lane – Poway
  • Christmas Card Lane – Oviedio Street – Rancho Penasquitos
  • Holiday Hill – Stadler Street- La Mesa
  • Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado
  • Sunburst Santee – Tomel Court, off Magnolia- Santee

Record Searchlight | Dec 6, 2023

Doorbell cameras are “super helpful” at stopping or catching porch pirates, said Amber Orrey, outreach coordinator at the Mount Shasta Police Department. However, people who get home deliveries — and even those who pick up orders at Amazon lockers or retail stores — should take precautions, she said.

While not a guarantee you won’t be the victim of a theft, you can make it harder for porch pirates to pilfer parcels.

“Check tracking notices. Have more expensive items sent to a locker or schedule a delivery time for when you’re going to be home,” Orrey said.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips for thwarting package thieves:

If you ask for a neighbor’s help, give them a signed note with permission to come on your property and take your packages, just in case another neighbor spots them and calls the police.

And dole out some gratitude. Make sure you thank people afterwards and volunteer “to return the favor” when they’re away, according to etiquette specialist Emily Post’s Neighborly Manners guide.

EnjoyOrangeCounty.com

Volunteer Opportunities in Orange County

Volunteer opportunities are everywhere in Orange County. Whether you’re looking to help with shelter animals, homeless outreach, or literacy programs, there’s something for everyone with different levels of involvement. Here are a few opportunities that residents can take part in to help make a difference in the community.

Volunteer Opportunities In Orange County

Volunteer With Animals

WAGS Westminster

6621 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster
714-887-6156

Animal shelters all over the county need volunteers for everything from fostering pets to walking dogs. WAGS Westminster is one of those locations that needs help, and they have a variety of opportunities that are available for adults, families, and even minors.

Volunteer opportunities include transporting animals to educational and elder settings for outings, bottle-feeding babies, dog walking and training, construction projects, fostering, and more. Those under 18 can help out with cleaning, rabbit care and play, creating home adoption kits, and playing with cats.

More Opportunities to Volunteer With Animals

OC Animal Care: Volunteer opportunities include socializing and grooming animals, hosting donation drives, leading shelter tours, and participating in shelter and community events. Opportunities are available for adults. For those under 18, OC Animal Care has a list of community service projects that can be completed to help the animals.

Orange County Humane Society: Volunteer opportunities include cat cuddling, walking dogs, participating in charity events, and help with fundraising. Opportunities are available for those 18 and up with current health insurance and they ask that you commit to 8 hours per month.

Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach: TRCHB is equal parts working with horses and working with people. The primary goal of TRCHB is to empower people with physical and developmental challenges to discover and gain self-confidence, strength, and self-reliance through developing a relationship with horses. The therapeutic riding programs they offer are very low cost for their students, so the organization relies on the help of donations and volunteers. As a volunteer, you will help support riders during their therapeutic riding sessions.

Fight Food Insecurity

Second Harvest Food Bank

8014 Marine Way, Irvine
949-653-2900

Second Harvest Food Bank provides nutritious food to those in need with over 59 million pounds of food distributed annually. Volunteers from the community age 13 and up are able to work in the food distribution center alongside the Food Bank team to ensure all are well fed in Orange County.

There’s even an outdoor opportunity at Harvest Solutions Farm for individuals and volunteer groups to help plant and harvest nutritious seasonal produce for the community. The product harvested from Harvest Solutions Farm is ultimately distributed to individuals and families in Orange County through Second Harvest’s network of distribution sites.

More Opportunities To Help With Food Distribution

Food Finders: Food Finders focuses on reducing food waste and distributing it to those in need. Volunteers can download the app and choose from the available food rescues to pick up donations and deliver them to a designated site.

Friendly Center: Volunteers aged 14 and up can help distribute food on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. They also need help with administrative tasks, holiday events, and after-school tutoring.

Laguna Food Pantry: Serving over 800 families each week, volunteer opportunities here include picking up groceries, sorting and stocking shelves, greeting guests, administrative tasks, and fundraising. Volunteers ages 14-17 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.

OC Food Bank (Community Action Partnership of Orange County): Volunteers at the OC food bank help assemble food boxes for seniors and kids. There are also opportunities to deliver food via the Mobile Food Trolley, get dirty by working at The Giving Farm at Westminster High School, distribute food at a community drive-thru, and more.

Saddleback Church Grocery Distributions: Saddleback Church has grocery distribution programs at locations throughout Orange County. They also host Grocery Pop-Ups at schools and other locations to serve those in the community. Volunteers are needed for grocery distribution, sorting and packing food at the warehouse, driving for food rescues, and picking up and delivering pantry items. Volunteers as young as 8 are encouraged to help in the Warehouse. Those 8-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

South County Outreach: Volunteer opportunities include sorting and stocking food, picking up donations, working the thrift store, office support, driving a truck, hosting a food drive, participating in seasonal events, and more.

*Note that many churches also have food distribution programs and they often need volunteers and donations to help the food insecure in the immediate community.

Support For Senior Citizens

Senior Citizen Assistance Programs

Huntington Beach seeks volunteers to help provide assistance to senior citizens. Most communities have a senior outreach program so check the website for your city of choice to find out how to volunteer. Huntington Beach needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in their homes, provide transportation, serve hot lunches to seniors at the community center, and provide friendly visits to those in need. While many seniors spend their days alone, this is a great opportunity to provide much needed human interaction for people who are lonely and unable to get out and socialize.

*Many cities in Orange County have senior assistance programs that can be found on the official city website.

More Ways To Volunteer With Seniors

Council On Aging Southern California: Volunteer opportunities include visiting homebound seniors, assisting with Medicare and health care, being an advocate for long term care facility residents, and connecting with seniors during the holiday season.

Meals On Wheels: Volunteer opportunities include delivering meals to homebound seniors, senior lunch service and activities, friendly visitors, helping with activities at adult day care centers, and office and administration assistance.

Military & Veteran Support

Operation Help A Hero: This organization has been supporting Camp Pendleton military members and families since 2001 and have since extended support to military communities across the nation. Volunteers here can help with a number of projects like Operation Christmas Spirit, Operation Rack Pack, OHH Baby Showers, and Operation Enduring Support.

San Clemente Military Family Outreach: Volunteers can provide support and assistance to military members and families stationed at the northwest area of Camp Pendleton by participating in several morale events including distributing Easter Baskets, hosting baby showers for expecting mothers and social teas for military wives, assisting with the Christmas “Thank A Family” program, and distributing over 1,000 turkeys and Thanksgiving Meals.

USO: Opportunities are available with the USO through John Wayne Airport and Camp Pendleton. Opportunities include working shifts at USO centers and providing support for events, homecomings and deployments, on-base activities, and holiday celebrations.

*Many cities in Orange County have adopted military units to which they regularly provide support including Mission Viejo, Irvine, Anaheim, and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Environmental Volunteer Opportunities

OC Parks & Zoo

Orange County Parks and Zoos always need people to help out. Parks need volunteers to help restore trails, provide education to visitors, help out in the nature centers, and serve as additional staff during high traffic times. At the zoo, volunteers can provide guided tours, help prepare food for the animals, and assist with other zoo activities. Volunteering at community parks and zoos is a great way to help educate and inform other people in the community.

More Ways To Get Outdoors and Help the Environment

Bolsa Chica Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include one-time events and long-term commitments. Participate in wetland restoration days, clean up via kayak, become a host at the interpretive center, be a site monitor, and more. Volunteers as young as 6 are welcome to participate in restoration days.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, working in the Native Seed Farm, pulling weeds, and more, all within Irvine Ranch Open Space. Opportunities range from one-time to long-term.

Laguna Canyon Foundation: Short term opportunities include trail maintenance and habitat restoration, and working in the nursery with native plants. Long-term certified volunteers will have access to additional opportunities.

Newport Bay Conservancy: Conduct tours, participate in hands-on restoration, and take the lead with coastal cleanups when you volunteer here.

Orange County Coastkeeper: Volunteer to clean up the coast to protect our environment and the natural habitats of our wildlife both on and offshore. In addition to beach cleanups, you can find garden opportunities, creek cleanups, and more.

Sea & Sage Audubon Society: Find a selection of environmental volunteer opportunities at various locations throughout Orange County. Opportunities may vary.

Other Volunteer Opportunities In Orange County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County is in need of volunteers who are interested in mentoring children to help them make meaningful connections and reach their fullest potential. Mentors spend a few hours a day twice per month with their match doing meaningful activities.

Library Volunteers

Local libraries always need volunteers. Teens are especially welcomed as volunteers for libraries, providing help with story times, crafts, and other youth programs and providing much needed help by sorting and shelving books. Literacy programs and outreach for arts and culture is a great way to spend time volunteering in the community.

Habitat For Humanity

714-434-6200

Habitat for Humanity builds and restores homes to provide reasonable living accommodations for at risk and low income families. There are many different ways that volunteers help with Habitat For Humanity. The main volunteer function is construction, helping to build and restore homes. Other volunteer opportunities include graphic design, provide homeowner education to selected families, write press releases, answer phones, and provide data entry services. Volunteers for Habitat For Humanity help improve lives by giving people a place to call home.

CHOC Children’s Hospital

Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital will make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. Volunteer opportunities at CHOC include clerical support, providing activities like coloring and reading to patients in waiting areas, assisting in play rooms, showing families around the hospital and more. Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital help to brighten the day of sick or injured children and their families.

Ronald McDonald House Orange County

The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe and comfortable place for families to live together while children receive treatment for cancer and other severe illnesses and injuries. Volunteers for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House can provide a variety of services like light housekeeping, administrative tasks, helping families, stocking supplies, and answering phones. Long term volunteer opportunities are only available here, so no short term or summer only volunteers will be accepted. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House provides comfort and support to families so they can focus on being together as they help their children through the recovery process.

United Way Orange County

The United Way fights for financial stability, quality education, stable housing, and good health for everyone. Volunteers for the United Way can help in a variety of ways. Teens can help out by leading youth summer camps and providing tutoring to younger kids. Other opportunities like distributing food, volunteering at shelters, collecting bedding and clothing, mentoring children, and creating welcome home baskets are some of the many ways you can lend a hand with the United Way. The United Way is a great opportunity to help families find stability and learn more about the steps they can take for a brighter future.

For more, visit OC Nonprofit Central which helps volunteers and donors find local community nonprofits. Find detailed information about local organizations, make informed charitable decisions and give all in one place.

For more volunteer opportunities see our Christmas Donation & Volunteer Ideas pages.

Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.

The famous Christmas carol tell us that this is “the most wonderful time of the year!”  However, a lot can go wrong over the holidays.

This infographic from Iron Security advises us what to be aware of. There are safety hazards, such as frayed electrical cords, holiday theft, and fire hazards, such as when frying turkeys or burning holiday candles.  Establish these practical safety measures (even throughout the year) and make this holiday season the most wonderful time of year!

 

Yelp.com | Nov 17, 2023

Realtor.com | Nov 27, 2023

So you’ve finished the last of those turkey leftovers and just about thrown in the towel on your workout regimen until some undefined time after the first of the year. (We get it— the holiday party circuit is rough.) It’s high time for relaxing and merriment! Certainly your house can wait for a little TLC until the new year, right?

Alas, we don’t have the answer you want to hear. The truth is, if you squeeze in a smidgen of time to do some routine maintenance chores this month, you’ll save yourself a load of potential trouble—and repair costs—down the road.

So down a big glass of eggnog, and take a swing through this short, painless checklist of tasks to tackle in December. We promise they’re so simple, you might just be done before you can sing the chorus to “Jingle Bells.”

Protect pipes

When temps dip below freezing, unprotected pipes can burst from exposure. The risk of frozen pipes is actually highest in southern climes, where colder temps are less common and pipes are less likely to have the insulation needed to protect them from bursting. (Temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit pose the greatest threat to pipes in unheated areas.)

You can guard against burst pipes by wrapping them in foam insulation, closing foundation vents, and opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to flow around supply lines. You should also keep your thermostat at 60 degrees or higher overnight. And make sure you’ve drained all your exterior hoses—if you’re following our monthly maintenance checklists, you did this back in October. Nicely done!

In the event of an emergency, you should know where your main water shut-off is located; it’s usually in the crawlspace or basement, where your water supply enters your house, or inside a water meter box outside your home.

DIY:  If your pipes have indeed frozen, leave the affected faucets on and turn off your water supply, says Jenny Popis, a Lowe’s Home Improvement spokeswoman. Then locate the freeze point; if none of the faucets work, the culprit is probably the main supply line.

Check all areas where supply lines enter your home, and feel the length of frozen pipes to determine which area is coldest. You can attempt to thaw it using a hand-held hair dryer. Another option: Wrap the frozen section in washcloths soaked in hot water—then thaw until you have full water pressure.

Call in a pro: If you can’t locate the freeze point or your pipes have burst, call in a licensed plumber, which will run between $150 and $600 on average (depending on the severity of the leak).

Give your oven some lovin’

Improperly sealed ovens can result in a loss of more than 20% of the machine’s heat, leading to longer cooking times, lost energy, and (most importantly) delayed gingerbread cookie gratification.

DIY: Check the seal around the oven door for breaks or cracks, and replace the seal for optimal oven performance. If you choose to tackle this yourself, be sure you disconnect power to the oven before digging in, and consult your manufacturer’s instructions to find the correct replacement part.

Call in a pro: Not the DIY type?  A typical oven fix takes less than an hour and will cost between $100 and $250.

Check insulation

Improve the efficiency of your pad by checking your attic’s insulation—and save up to $600 a year in energy costs.

DIY: Examine the insulation in your attic to see whether it’s flattened or sagging.

“If the insulation is level with the attic floor joists, you should be in pretty good shape,” says Krystal Rogers-Nelson of ASecureLife.com. “But if it’s below the joists, you’ll need to add more to make sure you keep the warm air in and the cold air out.”

Call in a pro: If your insulation is lacking, you’ll need a pro to get it up to snuff, at an average cost of around $1,000 to $2,500.

Prevent potential fire hazards

“Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, you giant box of tinder.”  

It turns out that the gorgeous Douglas fir you’ve so painstakingly decorated could pose a huge fire risk. In fact, Christmas trees account for more than $13 million in property damage per year, according to the American Christmas Tree Association (yes, that’s a thing). Throw in Hanukkah candles, unswept chimneys, ancient space heaters, and faulty strings of lights, and you’ve got a recipe for holiday disaster.

DIY: If you can’t live without a live tree, be sure to keep it well-watered (seriously, do this every day). Keep it at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, turn your tree lights off at night, and toss damaged lights. (Extra credit: To save energy, use LED lights for your holiday decor. They use 80% to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours—as opposed to 3,000.)

Similar rules apply for space heaters: Keep them away from drapes or furniture, which could catch fire from direct contact and radiant heat; plug them into their own outlets (without extension cords); and never leave one running overnight.

Of course, other common sense precautions apply: Blow out all of those candy cane–scented candles before bed (or just use battery-operated ones), never use paper or flammable liquid to start a fire, and use a screen to keep embers where they belong.

Call in a pro: We’ve said this before, but rule numero uno of fireplace safety is having it professionally cleaned at least once a year. Expect to spend between $125 and $250.

Prevent ice damming

Ice what-ing, you ask? It turns out, an ice dam—a ridge of frozen water that forms at the edge of your roof—is even more fearsome than the average run-of-the-mill icicle. Left untreated, ice dams can prevent water from running off your roof, resulting in leaks and damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

DIY: Ice dams will begin to form if snow (and ice, obviously) builds up on your roof. So the easiest way to prevent a problem is to clear your roof of that white slush—pick up a snow rake, grab a ladder, and get to work. While you’re up there, trim any branches hanging over your roof: Under the weight of snow or during a windstorm, these can break and cause damage to your shingles. Finally, keep gutters clear of leaves and other debris so melting snow can flow freely.

Call in a pro: Installing heating cables along the edge of your roof can keep snow runoff from freezing. Expect to spend between $600 and $900.

Get secure

The holidays are prime time for burglaries and break-ins (those daily Amazon Prime deliveries are just too tempting for package thieves). That’s why you should be extra-vigilant, especially as the days get shorter—and you head out of town or dance off to holiday parties.

DIY: Illuminate the area around your house, lock doors and windows, and trim bushes to deter intruders. You might also look into installing security cameras around your door.

“The six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime for packages being delivered to your home for the holidays,” says Emily Long of SafeWise.com. “That means burglars are more likely to swipe your packages if they are left outside.”

A security camera you can monitor with your smartphone allows you to have eyes on your home anytime, from anywhere.

Call in a pro: Professionally monitored security systems will sound ear-piercing alarms and call the police if an intruder enters your space. Options abound here, so do your research before committing to a system (and a monthly service fee).

airetechac.com | Oct 23, 2019

While California winters are relatively mild compared to most of the country, it is still important to perform home winterization tasks in the fall. While Southern Californians might not experience the seasons like those in other parts of the country, there is a perceptible change in the air we all recognize as one season moving into another. Once we sense the upcoming 60-degree chill, Southern California residents should consider preparing their homes for temperature dips, occasional rain, and the intermittent morning frost.

Regardless of where you live, winterizing your home is a good investment of time and can save money each year on heating costs. As with all things home-related, maintenance costs are generally lower when homeowners proactively prepare their home for winter weather instead of waiting until repairs require professional attention.

Here’s how to winterize a Southern California home:

Prepare Your Furnace

Many homeowners take their central heating systems for granted, but a furnace that is improperly maintained performs less efficiently. This can lead to higher energy bills and could result in system malfunction and cause safety hazards. To prevent these kinds of issues, it is best to be proactive about furnace maintenance, especially before winter.

Here are some key steps:

  1. Replace the air filter in your furnace each month. Locate the filter and pull it out. Slide the new filter into the slot, following the arrows on the frame of the filter.
  2. Consider upgrading to a pleated filter, HEPA filter or electrostatic filter. These filters increase the energy efficiency of your furnace and allow the warm air to flow unimpeded through your home.
  3. Clean your air vents and ducts. Remove the vent covers with a screwdriver. Use the extension hose of your vacuum to remove the dust.
  4. Inspect the blower belt for cracks. Turn off the power to the furnace at the main circuit breaker. Use a screwdriver to remove the steel cover of the air handler. The blower belt is the largest rubber belt that you see. Replace the belt if it is cracked.
  5. Adjust your programmable thermostat so it automatically lowers the temperature while you are asleep or away from your home. Consider retrofitting your older home with one of these thermostats; newly built homes in California must be outfitted with a set-back thermostat.
  6. Inspect the exhaust flue outdoors to ensure it is free of obstructions such as branches or animal nests.
  7. Keep the area around your furnace unit free of debris and clutter.
  8. Open all your air vents. Remove furniture, boxes and clutter that get in the way of air flowing from the vents.

Inspect Your Water Heater

Cold showers are never fun once winter is in full force. You can reduce the chances of water heater failure during winter by performing an inspection in the fall. Look at the tank for any signs of corrosion or blackened areas near the burner. Corrosion can be coming from a leak inside of the tank or from high moisture content in the area. Blackened areas near the burner are almost always from improper combustion or back drafting. Insulation blankets can be purchased to wrap water heaters, but when blankets are installed on gas water heaters, the fire hazard may outweigh the minor if any cost savings of the wrapping. Insulated covers on newer water heaters are worthless as far as insulation goes. More often than not they pose greater fire hazards because of the proximity to the draft diverter or the combustion chamber at the base.

Check All Other Air Ducts

Find exposed ducts wherever they may be (in the attic or crawlspaces) and repair all areas where pipes are pinched and restricting the flow of heated air into the house. Fix gaps with metal-backed tape, which is longer lasting and more durable than duct tape. Ducts also should be vacuumed at least once every two years to clear out hair, dust and other debris that can clog the ducts and the air.

Seal Windows and Doors

During the winter, you want to make sure that your doors and windows are airtight. Otherwise, you furnace will just be blowing money out through those cracks. Start with these simple ways to prevent cold air from seeping through your windows and doors.

  1. Check the glass to make sure your panes are in good shape and free of cracks.
  2. Add insulation if you can access the area behind the window or door trim. Adding batt insulation or spray foam insulation can stop air from sneaking in.
  3. Add weather stripping to all doors and windows for added protection from drafts and cold weather.
  4. Caulk around windows and doors.

Insulate

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. Experts will tell you that regardless of climate, homeowners need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic. Because most ceiling joists are 11 inches maximum, if can see the ceiling joists in your attic, you don’t have enough insulation.

Insulate and air seal any knee walls — vertical walls with attic space directly behind them — in your home as well. In addition, if you’re building a new home or remodeling, make sure any attic decking that provides additional storage space or a platform for a heating and/or cooling unit or hot water tank is raised above the ceiling joists to leave room for adequate insulation. If the air distribution system is not within the conditioned space but within the attic, insulating the rafters will enclose the distribution system.

Check and Upgrade Safety Devices

Test existing smoke alarms and consider upgrading to dual smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detectors with smart technology that connects with other wireless technology in your home and monitor on your mobile phone. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible, and extremely dangerous gas, which can result in death if inhaled over a period of time, and can be given off by the most common appliances in your home.

Prepare Your Fireplace

Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected. Remove smoke and soot stains from the fireplace surround and chimney facing by spraying the surface with water followed by scrubbing with a mixture of all-purpose cleaner and water.  You can also try a mixture of vinegar and water.  For marble and stone surfaces, follow the water with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Clean glass fireplace doors with a vinegar and water solution, adding some ashes from the fireplace to gently scrub the glass.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Many people don’t even realize that there are multiple settings on their ceiling fans. You can use your ceiling fans to assist in keeping your home warm in the winter by revering the direction of the blades. In the winter the blades should rotate clockwise. Clockwise rotation pushes the warm air down and recirculates it throughout the room. Alongside your heater, your home will stay toasty all winter long.

Final Thoughts

As cold weather approaches, it is important to take a few preventative measures to protect your home through the chilly months. Winterizing is generally a task that can be done relatively inexpensively, but will make a big difference in how comfortable your home is, and could end up saving you money on energy bills, too. In fact, many very effective home weatherproofing jobs are something that homeowners can complete without professional help.

If your system needs repair or inspection before winter, contact us for our Preferred HVAC specialists in your area by calling or texting Christine at (714) 476-4637.

These local craft fairs in Orange County are scheduled to make their showings in early November, helping you get started on your Christmas shopping or get some inspiration early on in the holiday season!  Specialty items you’d find at these booths are handmade and let the gift recipient know that you care, but without spending a fortune.  Win-win for all!

*** Please confirm the dates/times/locations for the following events as they are subject to change.

Holiday Faire

Holiday Boutique

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival

Farmakis Farms Fall Holiday Craft Market

RC Palmer Arts & Crafts Show

Unique Holiday Boutique

Timeless Treasures Boutiques

Holiday Faire

Nutcracker Craft Boutique

MVAC Gifts & Goodies Holiday Boutique

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Swedish Christmas Fair at Old World

Winter In The Grove Craft Boutique

Holiday Market

Candy Caneland & Craft Fair

Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festivals

AND

AND

Christmas Boutique & Craft Faire

Winterfest Boutique

Creative Babe Holiday Market

Annual Holiday Artisan Faire

CA REAL ESTATE GROUP

TEAM LEAD | CHRISTINE ALMARINES – DRE#01412944

BROKER | CALIBER REAL ESTATE GROUP – DRE#02070212

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Orange, CA 92866

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