TOVA Blog

Keep your home ready for every Minnesota season with TOVA’s HomeBase subscription plans—simple, reliable home maintenance year-round. Located in the St. Croix Valley, Minnesota

Minnesota Winters, BRRRRR As the new year begins, Minnesota homeowners know what’s coming: subzero temps, snowdrifts, and the kind of cold that makes you grateful for every bit of warmth and comfort your home provides. At TOVA, we believe that a well-cared-for home doesn’t just protect you from winter—it helps you enjoy it. Here’s how to make sure your home stays safe, cozy, and energy-efficient all season long. 1. Keep the Heat In (and the Cold Out) Cold air has a sneaky way of finding cracks, gaps, and weak spots around your home. Start by checking doors and windows for drafts—especially around weatherstripping, sills, and frames. A quick seal with caulk or foam tape can keep warm air inside and save on energy bills. Don’t forget your attic and basement: proper insulation here can dramatically reduce heat loss. 👉 For more expert guidance, check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s guide on keeping your home warm and safe this winter . 2. Stay Ahead of Heating and Ventilation Issues Your furnace works overtime during a Minnesota winter. Make sure it’s ready: Replace or clean filters monthly. Test carbon monoxide detectors. Schedule a professional inspection to catch any issues before they become emergencies. TOVA’s maintenance team can handle these checks for you—keeping your system efficient, safe, and reliable when it matters most. 3. Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage Heavy snow and fluctuating temps can spell trouble for your roof. Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic, melting snow that refreezes along the eaves. The result? Leaks, mold, and structural damage. We recommend safely removing roof snow after major storms and keeping gutters clear of debris. TOVA’s subscribers often schedule proactive winter visits just for this reason—it’s the kind of task best handled by professionals with the right tools and safety gear. 4. Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing Even one burst pipe can turn a cozy winter day into a major headache. To prevent frozen pipes: Keep your home above 55°F—even when away. Insulate pipes near exterior walls. Let faucets drip slightly on the coldest nights to maintain flow. If you ever notice reduced water pressure or suspect a frozen pipe, call right away before it turns into costly damage. 5. Don’t Forget the Cozy Factor Home maintenance isn’t just about protection—it’s about comfort. Once your systems are running efficiently, add those finishing touches that make your space feel warm and welcoming: Layer throw blankets and rugs. Swap to soft, warm lighting. Set a seasonal routine—perhaps your favorite coffee or a fire-lit evening once the snow starts to fall. TOVA’s goal is to make sure you can actually enjoy these moments, not spend them worrying about what might go wrong. Start the Year with Peace of Mind A safe, efficient, and comfortable home doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from care, consistency, and trusted expertise. That’s where TOVA comes in. Our HomeBase subscription plans make it easy to stay ahead of maintenance all year long—from winter heating checks to spring tune-ups and summer projects. Call us at 952-567-4959 or book your home maintenance visit at TOVAMN.com to start your year with confidence. #MinnesotaWinter #HomeMaintenance #HomeSafety #EnergyEfficiency #TOVAMN #HomeBase #StCroixValley

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to dip, Minnesota homeowners know what’s coming. The first cold snap can arrive quickly, and if your home isn’t ready, you could be facing drafty rooms, higher utility bills, or unexpected repairs. The good news? With a few proactive steps now, you can keep your home comfortable, efficient, and protected all season long. Here are the five must-do fall home maintenance tasks to tackle before the cold sets in. 1. Schedule a Furnace Inspection & Replace Filters Your furnace is about to work overtime. A professional inspection ensures it’s running safely and efficiently when you need it most. Technicians will check for issues like carbon monoxide leaks, dirty burners, or worn parts that could leave you without heat on the coldest day of the year. Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter, too. A clean filter not only improves air quality but also helps your system run more efficiently — saving you money on energy bills. 2. Seal Cracks and Gaps to Keep Drafts (and Pests) Out Even small cracks around windows, doors, or your home’s foundation can cause chilly drafts and let pests find their way inside. Walk around your home and check for gaps in caulking, weatherstripping, or siding. Seal any openings with fresh caulk or foam sealant. This quick weekend task will make your home more comfortable and cut down on heating costs. 3. Prep Outdoor Spaces for the Weather Shift Minnesota’s fall weather can swing from sunny afternoons to frosty mornings in a hurry. Protect your outdoor spaces and equipment by: Cleaning and storing patio furniture Covering or disconnecting outdoor faucets and hoses Cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams later in the season Storing or servicing lawn equipment before winter These steps not only extend the life of your outdoor items but also prevent damage during sudden temperature drops. 4. Check Windows and Doors for Energy Efficiency Before the winds of November hit, take a close look at your windows and doors. Replace any worn weatherstripping, adjust door sweeps, and consider installing storm windows if you have them. Improving your home’s seal now keeps warm air inside and cold drafts outside — plus, it can noticeably lower your heating costs all winter. 5. Test Safety Devices Fall is a great reminder to check your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries and make sure each device is in good working order before you’re spending more time indoors with the heat running and fireplaces lit.  Stay Ahead of Home Maintenance with TOVA Tackling seasonal maintenance on your own can feel overwhelming — and easy to forget in the busy fall rush. That’s where TOVA’s subscription service comes in. We’ll handle proactive maintenance like furnace filter changes, caulking, and seasonal checkups, so your home is always ready for Minnesota’s changing seasons. 👉 Ready for peace of mind this fall? Contact TOVA today to schedule service or learn more about our subscription plans.

Summer in Minnesota isn’t just sunshine and lakes—it also brings powerful storms, high winds, hail, and heavy rains. These seasonal shifts can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. Proactive summer maintenance is essential to protect your investment, your family, and your peace of mind. At TOVA MN , we believe in preventing problems before they start. Here's how smart homeowners can storm-proof their summer. 🌪️ Why Storm-Ready Matters in Minnesota Minnesota ranks among the top U.S. states for hail and thunderstorm activity during the summer. While you can’t stop the weather, you can minimize the damage it causes. Key Risks: Roof and siding damage from wind and hail Basement flooding from poor drainage Power outages and electrical surges Fallen trees or branches Blocked gutters and water backups 🛠️ 7 Proactive Steps for Storm Safety & Home Protection Inspect and Clear Gutters & Downspouts Backed-up gutters can lead to roof leaks and foundation damage. Clear debris, ensure downspouts direct water away, and add extenders if needed. Check Your Roof and Siding Look for missing shingles, soft spots, or loose panels. Addressing small issues early prevents costly leaks after a storm. Seal Windows and Doors Caulking and weatherstripping keep wind-driven rain and drafts out—critical for energy efficiency and water protection. Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs Cut back overhanging branches and remove weak trees before they fall on your home, car, or power lines. Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment Grills, patio chairs, and lawn tools can become dangerous projectiles. Anchor or store them before stormy forecasts. Check Sump Pump and Drainage Systems Ensure your sump pump works reliably and exterior drains are unblocked—especially if your basement is prone to flooding. Test Smoke & CO Detectors and Emergency Lights Summer storms can lead to outages or electrical faults. Have flashlights ready and surge protectors in place. 🧰 How TOVA Helps: One Subscription, Total Protection TOVA’s summer maintenance service prepares your home before the first storm hits. We handle the details so you can relax knowing your home is ready. 🏠 Stay Safe, Stay Ahead Minnesota storms may be inevitable—but stress, damage, and disruption don’t have to be. Let TOVA MN keep your home storm-ready, safe, and sound all summer long.  #MNStormSafety #HomeProtection #TOVAMN #SummerMaintenance #SafeHome #MinnesotaWeather #StormPrep #ProactiveHomeCare

Prep your MN home for summer & grad parties with TOVA’s tips on maintenance, hosting, and outdoor care.