Preparing Your Home For Fall

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning gutters now saves your home from future damage.

It’s fall y’all! As the season begins to change, so do our home needs. Even though summer is still hanging around, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. Follow these steps to prepare your home for the upcoming fall season.

Interior Maintenance

1. Check For Drafts: Feel for any drafts around the edges of your windows and doors. A helpful tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there is most likely a draft. If you find a draft of air coming in, replace the seals and repair any caulking around door frames and windows.
2. Inspect Your Furnace: Have an HVAC professional test your furnace for leaks, check the heat efficiency and change the filter.
3. Winterize Your Air Conditioning: If you have a home with central air conditioning, you may need to cover your outdoor unit for the upcoming winter. If your home has window air conditioning units, remove or cover them to prevent air leaks.
4. Thermostat: If you don’t already have one, buy a programmable thermostat. Setting your thermostat to different temperatures different times of the day can result in cost savings.
5. Test Your Home Safety Devices: Replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test them to make sure they are working properly.
6. Clean Humidifiers: Replace any old filters and make sure to clean inside the compartment.

Exterior Maintenance

1. Check The Roof: You can perform a visual roof inspection from the ground. To get a better look, grab some binoculars or a ladder to climb up for a better view.
2. Check The Chimney And Fireplace: If you have a wood fireplace that you use often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
3. Examine Siding: Check around your home’s exterior for cracks and holes. Hire a professional to fix them or repair them yourself.
4. Clean The Gutters: Clean your gutters of any debris, nests, leaves that may be hiding in there.
5. Inspect Your Water Drainage: Check your rainwater downspouts to ensure that there are no obstructions and direct away from your home.
6. Inspect Trees And Landscaping: Check your yard for any damaged limbs or plants that may break off and cause damage to your home.