When you think about doing home improvements or renovations, you probably aim to get started during the spring or the fall, when the weather is more temperate. While this is a perfectly acceptable plan, many other people have the exact same idea. If you want to get ahead of the crowd and secure the best possible deal on parts and merchandise during the off-season, check out these projects to take on as the temperature drops.

1. Air Conditioning

While it may seem counterintuitive to even think about installing central air when the temperature keeps dropping, consider this: As temperatures start to rise, so does the demand for AC work. Spring and early summer are the busiest times of year for HVAC teams, so securing your spot early is the key to prompt service and the best price.

Even if you already have central air in your home, licensed AC services in Tampa, FL, can help you maintain your system. Regular upkeep for your air conditioning unit is essential to keep it running in tip-top shape. Servicing your ductwork increases efficiency by clearing out dust and debris, allowing your AC to cool your home more effectively for less money.

Maintaining your AC unit is good for your health, too; if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies or breathing problems, regular cleanings can help alleviate those pesky symptoms. If you complete your maintenance by the time allergy season rolls around again, you'll be breathing easy with clean air.

2. "Spring" Cleaning

Start your spring cleaning early by attacking some of the clutter-prone areas inside your home. The more you get done ahead of time, the smoother your experience will be when spring finally rolls around. Since decluttering occurs indoors, a cold winter afternoon is a perfect time to start purging your unused items.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is one of those places where clutter is bound to collect. Take stock of your grooming tools – such as hair dryers, flat irons, nose trimmers, and the like – and get rid of anything that no longer works or that you don't use regularly. Go through your drawers and cabinets and dispose of old makeup, expired soaps and shampoos, and cleaning products that have seen better days.

Also, check for expired over-the-counter medications and old prescriptions you no longer need. Collect the medicines in a bag and bring them to your local pharmacy; they will safely dispose of them at no cost to you. Never flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash, as they could pollute the local water supply or fall into the hands of a young child.

Closets

Wintertime is ideal for cleaning out your closet and dresser in preparation for more intense spring cleaning. First, take stock of everything you have and decide on a plan of attack. You don't have to tackle everything at once; plan to do a section of your closet or a drawer at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Next, gather your items into piles by category, such as "keep," "donate," and "garbage." Put back what you still wear, and get rid of old and tattered items. If you have extra coats, sweaters, and other warm clothing, bring them down to your local shelter, church, or outreach group; people in need will be extra thankful for your generosity during a difficult time of year.

3. Indoor Renovations

If you have some areas inside your home that need an upgrade or a little TLC, get ahead of the game and attend to them in the wintertime. There are a variety of indoor projects that you can get out of the way before the busy season hits.

Pick a room to start and begin your home's facelift. For example, perhaps the tile in your bathroom has been driving you nuts, or you've been thinking about changing the color of the dining room. You may even have a larger project in mind, such as redoing your kitchen cabinets or installing hardwood floors.

If you're not the DIY type and prefer to hire a professional for these projects, go for it. Wintertime is generally a slow time of year for the construction trades, so use this to your advantage. On top of prompt service, you may even score a discounted rate.

Home improvement doesn't have to be a task best left for the warmer months; get as much as possible out of the way in the winter so you can focus on outdoor projects in the spring or kick back and relax because your home is in top condition.