FALL MAINTENANCE - PREPPING FOR WINTER
Spring and summer are great times for homeowners to spend some extra time taking care of things around the house and yard. DON’T FORGET ABOUT FALL! The Fall is as important as any season for prepping your home to withstand the potentially harsh colder weather and temperature conditions that are on the way. By making maintenance part of your annual Fall routine, you can identify potential problems BEFORE they arise. Here are some great tips to make sure your home is prepared for the upcoming fall weather.
GUTTER CHECK. Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house. A lot of debris accumulates in your gutters in the Fall - debris that can clog your rain gutters. Make sure they’re as debris-free as possible to avoid drainage issues during the winter months.
A FILTER CHANGE WILL DO YOU GOOD. If you have a central air heating and air conditioning system, change the air filters regularly. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove from the window or place a waterproof cover over it to prevent damage. Change filters in stove vents, clothes dryers and room fans if applicable. Clean air filters will keep your family healthier in the fall months. It never hurts to have your furnace inspected by a qualified HVAC technician before things get too cold.
FIREPLACE TLC. If you use your fireplace more than your furnace in the fall and winter months you will definitely want to give it some TLC before the winter weather creeps in. Discard old ashes and ensure the damper is open to allow air to freely move through the chimney. If the air is becoming cold, close back the damper after cleaning. Check the damper handle and springs to ensure the flue is operating correctly. Hire a professional chimney sweep to make sure there is no build up of ash or asbestos in the chimney flue.
HARD WATER ISN’T GREAT FOR WATER HEATERS. If you live in an area with hard water (like most of the state) extra amounts of sediment could be building up in your tank. The Fall is a perfect time to drain your hot water heater and to make sure rust isn’t developing or building up. If your hot water heater is extremely old (more than 20 years) or shows signs of rust, it might be worth it to consider upgrading before the cold winter months.
DRAFTS ARE NAUGHTY. The majority of heated or cooled air in your home is lost through the windows and doors. Double check your windows and doors to ensure the seal and caulking are in good condition. If seals or caulking is cracking or you see evidence of moisture or weathering, it may be time to redo those areas. You can pick up caulk and a caulk gun at your local hardware store for less than $20. Adding heavy drapery around windows that are extra drafty is always a nice, cost efficient solution.
LAWN & LANDSCAPE LOVE. We live in an extreme climate. The winter months can wreak havoc on your landscaping - specifically your irrigation system/sprinkling system if you don’t plan ahead. It’s always a good idea having an irrigation service professional fix broken sprinkler heads and blow out the water in your lines before the cold weather sets in. Make sure the water to your irrigation/sprinkling system is shut off before the heavy freezes arrive. Adjust your auto settings to discontinue watering. If you want to prevent spring weeds and winter lawn damage, don’t forget to fertilize. Additionally, trimming tree branches and even reseeding your lawn are great ways to ensure less maintenance in the Spring.
There’s your six pack of Fall maintenance items. Do yourself a solid and take a Saturday to cover some of these items to make sure your winter isn’t full of the WRONG types of surprises.
