San Antonio Express-News

Maybe all they want for Christmas is some help

- Brigitta Shannon Rose

Holidays mean family, friends, food and gift-giving. If you’re looking to give unique presents this year, consider buying your loved ones things they can use in their homes. Here are great gift suggestion­s for homeowners this year.

Contact your pro for the best way to give a service as a gift. In some cases, you can buy the service directly; other pros offer gift certificat­es.

Indoor/outdoor lighting

Changing the lighting scheme in a home can give it a fresh, new look. Whether installing inset or track lighting in your kitchen or bathrooms, or adding lights to your deck, a profession­al can help you safely and efficientl­y brighten your surroundin­gs. Check with electrical pros to see what services they offer as gifts for others.

Heating/cooling service

Pros recommend having your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year. Making sure the filters are new and ensuring the AC and furnace are in tiptop shape are essential to keeping a climate-controlled environmen­t in your home. Many HVAC pros offer yearly service contracts, which can

make an excellent gift.

Another way to help maintain a steady temperatur­e is through a programmab­le thermostat. While you can do this yourself, hiring a profession­al ensures the system works properly with minimal complicati­ons.

Gutter cleaning

Clogged gutters can lead to

bigger problems with leaks and water damage, so cleaning them out is a necessary task for any homeowner. Purchasing this service for your loved one keeps them off the roof while saving them time and energy so they can enjoy autumn and spring fun.

Snow removal

’Tis the season for snow in

some regions, and shoveling takes time and energy you might not have to spare.

A snowblower can help alleviate some physical demands of clearing the fluffy white stuff from sidewalks. But having a snow removal service do the work saves time and physical effort (vital for those who experience mobility issues).

Look for a profession­al to provide this service to your loved ones this holiday season.

Landscapin­g, lawn care

During the winter, we don’t always think of our spring green lawns. But the seasons change, and soon the grass will need tending to. Setting up a company to take care of your loved one’s lawn now will save them time and money once the seasons change.

Also, if someone plans some landscapin­g changes once warmer weather arrives, you can give them a head start with a gift card from a local landscapin­g company.

Cleaning service

A clean house brings tranquilit­y and order to one’s mind. And the gift of a clean home can mean a lot to people who are on the go or suffer from mobility or health issues.

Cleaners provide a variety of options for helping keep a tidy home. Maid services can range from wiping down surfaces to deep cleaning, while window washing profession­als can keep your windows bright and shiny.

Carpet cleaners help remove the deep-down dirt in your carpets and rugs, giving your feet a healthy place to tread in the home.

 ?? Dreamstime ?? A houseclean­ing service is like two gifts in one — a tranquil environmen­t and free time.
Dreamstime A houseclean­ing service is like two gifts in one — a tranquil environmen­t and free time.

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