Prepare Your Home for Fall

Summer is gone and with the warm weather now a distant memory, it is time to prepare your home for colder weather. As a home owner, you appreciate how critical it is to keep your indoors cozy while also ensuring the property is primed for more rain. With the meteorology department already giving warnings about today’s unpredictable weather, it is imperative to learn how to prepare your home for fall. Here are some tips to help you go through fall:

1. Clean and Fix the Gutters

The last 10 years have witnessed increased rain during this season and you need to clean the gutters to ensure effective drainage. This protects your house from stagnating water which ruins both the walls and foundation. The downspouts should also be unclogged, and if the discharge pipe is near the walls, make sure it is extended by about five feet.

2. Seal All Air Leaks

To reduce heating and cooling costs during this season, make sure you have sealed all gaps especially on the windows and door joints. More importantly, get a professional to check for problem areas where leaks are common in order to seal them permanently. In short, keep outside air out and inside air in.

3. Clean and Fix the Fireplace Chimney

This should be done by a professional contractor who will clear ash and charred wood from the chimney and fireplace. The damper should also be checked to ensure it doesn’t allow in a draft that will add to your heating and cooling costs.

4. Give Your Heating System a Checkup

It is crucial to ensure that all heating ducts and vents are not blocked by furniture or curtains. This should be done by a technician with the right tools and skills to ensure the system is working seamlessly. The furnace is a critical appliance in fall and it must be checked before the onset of this cold season.

5. Work on Paths and Walkways

Due to increased precipitation, your walkways will become slippery and they should be repaired to avoid slips and falls. Your family will be safe and you will also avoid medical bills arising from such injuries. To make the walkways even safer, invest in ENERGY STAR outdoor lights which will light up the way without increasing your energy bill.

6. Invest in Storm Windows

To ensure your family is safe indoors, it is time to replace removable screens, which are popular during summer, with storm windows.

Of course you need to do a thorough cleaning of your home before fall considering much of your time will be spent indoors. Now that you have an idea on how to prepare your home for fall, why not get down to it? Contact us today for more information!