Your Latest Dish - Prepared by WhiteFence

Now it's even easier for you to connect your DISH Network service. You can still go through WhiteFence or you can try out the new site that was launched last week, ConnectMyDishTV.com. For more information on this new site see the WhiteFence press release.

Information Portals to All of Your Essential Home Services

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Natural Gas for Georgians

Moving Without Losing Your Sanity

Fall is Fundamental for Home Maintenance

Fall is a great time to start those home improvement projects that you have been putting off all year. With the holidays steadily approaching, many people are looking to get their homes ready for friends and family. Prior to tackling home improvement projects, it is wise to gauge the scale of the project and decide if it's necessary to call a professional. Here are a few tips can help keep you and your family comfortable, healthy and safe for the holiday season.

Since the heater hasn't been used for several months, calling your HVAC professional or utility company to have it checked is wise. Dust can collect in and around the system, so cleaning the air vents in your home and changing the filters will keep your heater working more efficiently. A professional should clean the ducts where your vacuum will not reach to rid your home of any hidden hazards.

Keep in mind that insulation is not just for colder climates. A home with proper insulation will help you achieve lower heating and cooling costs year round. Insulating your home involves relatively easy tasks like caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors, to bigger jobs like having insulation installed in attics and basements. For wall insulation jobs, you should seek professional assistance. There are building codes involved in major insulation projects designed to prevent fires and harm, so make sure the company you contract is up to date with the latest information.

Don't forget about the outside of your house. Clean leaves and debris from gutters to reduce pest infestations and wood rot. Insulate your pipes from the colder weather; wrap the pipes with old t-shirts or foam insulation to prevent the pipes from freezing. Keep your landscaping near the top of your to-do list, and prune your trees, bushes and fertilize the lawn.

The cooler weather is a good time to take care of any painting projects as well. The windows can be opened to help dry interior rooms, and you decrease the likelihood of heat exhaustion in the cooler climate. This also goes for shampooing carpets, cleaning out the garage and crawling in the attic to inspect the roof for any leaks or damage, which are all miserable jobs in the midst of summer heat.

By following a maintenance schedule and routine in your home you can save money, conserve energy and prevent costly repairs. Removing dust and debris will help keep your family healthy and avert potential fire hazards. Not to mention you get to spend less time worrying about your home maintenance, and more time with your family during the holiday season.

Toughen Up Your Home Turf with Lawn Care Tips from WhiteFence

With the holidays coming up the last thing you may want to think about is gardening. However, this may be the best time of the year to attack your landscaping needs. There are a few simple things that you can do to keep your yard healthy and inviting.

Early in winter is a great time to prune trees and shrubs in many parts of the country, since the leaves haven't detached quite yet. Keep in mind that plants that bloom in the spring need to be pruned just after the blooms fall off. If you wait until winter to prune those plants in particular, you may stop the plant from flowering.

Winter is also a good time to mulch your trees and plants to moderate the soil temperature and moisture. It is also a good idea to fertilize in the beginning of winter to strengthen your plants before the colder weather has a chance to settle in and do harm. Winterizing your lawn and landscaping can help your garden make it through even the toughest winter. Also, don't forget to water your lawn. Although it may look like its dying on the surface, the roots could be healthy and strong.

To help with your seasonal landscaping needs, many lawn care services have specials during this time of year as well as programs throughout the year. Companies often offer a free evaluation of your lawn, so that they can tailor the perfect solution to your landscaping needs—whether it's fertilizer, pest control, disease or just maintenance.

As for your lawn equipment, winter is a great time to take care of any lingering problems you may have. Check ads for specials on equipment and see your local repair facilities, as they may lower prices or offer special repair incentives during the slower seasons.

Your yard is the first thing people see when they come to your home. With a little extra care throughout the year you can keep it looking welcoming and healthy, without breaking your back or the bank.