Summer is coming to a close. We’re starting to see some gray skies and feel the cooler weather. As the weather changes, there are a few seasonal tasks you need to take care of to ensure your home is well-equipped to handle the colder, and sometimes wetter, months ahead.
Here are our 7 best tips to prepare your home for fall, so you can stay cozy and comfortable this fall and winter.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Water that isn’t properly diverted can lead to rot, mold, and mildew. This damage will lead to costly repairs.
Our best advice is to try and clean your gutters and downspouts or call someone out to do it for you. If you feel safe doing this, get a stable ladder and wear protective gloves to scoop out any leaves and other waste materials.
Try to clean your gutter at the start of every season. Dried out debris can be a great home for critters, and not mention a fire hazard, during the summer.
2. Repair and Replace any Missing Shingles or Tiles
Speaking of your roof, when’s the last time you checked on the condition of your shingles or tiles?
During the summer months, the sun causes roof tiles to expand and contract, making them very susceptible to breaking.
Because of this, it’s important to visually inspect your roof before the rainy and chilly seasons.
3. Take Care of That Yard Work!
A clean yard is a happy yard. Take the time to clear any leafy debris, trim your bushes, and get around to any yard work done that you’ve been avoiding all summer.
Clear any leaves, cut down any branches that might be at risk for falling during rain and high winds. Additionally, prune overgrown and dead foliage from plants and bushes to avoid the spread of plant diseases and to keep everything looking fresh for the fall.
4. Test Your Weatherstripping & Windows
To save on your energy bills, check your windows and doors for any cracks or holes that may be letting in drafts. In fact, up to 35% of heat-treated air can be lost through drafty windows. This is one reason why it’s important to check the seal around your doors and windows for drafts.
Should you find any cracks or holes, it’s time to add some new weatherstripping. Choose the best type of weatherstrip material by taking into consideration friction, temperature, and other factors unique to each location.
5. Program Your Home’s Thermostat
Depending on the temperature outside, set your programmable thermostat to roughly 68 degrees during the fall.
This temperature setting is cost-efficient and keeps your home’s indoor environment comfortable. Another way to take control of the weather in your home is to reset the thermostat before sleeping and leaving the house. This will help to save on your energy bill in the upcoming months.
Also, dress for the season. Fall and winter means it’s time to pull out the cute joggers and hoodies that are probably now shoved into the back of your closet.
6. Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filter
To keep your indoor air quality safe during the upcoming months, be sure to regularly check and change your HVAC air filter. One of the best things you can do for the health of your home and your HVAC system is to replace the air filter whenever it gets full.
This small action has a big impact. Dirty and overfull air filters force your HVAC system to work twice as hard to produce the same amount of treated air.
7. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Last but certainly not least, schedule a furnace tune-up. At Service Champions, we recommend two tune-ups every year. Once before the spring, and once before the fall.
Your furnace is a crucial part of your home’s heating and cooling systems. Since it works all year round, it’s best to tune it up and make sure it’s ready for the season ahead.
Always Be Prepared!
We hope these tips give you a clear path to follow in order to help you prepare your home for the fall. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment to let us know how we can help at any step of the way towards getting your home in the best condition possible for the upcoming months.