As September begins, let’s get ready to say goodbye to the warm weather and hello to cooler temperatures. We also need to prepare our homes for the change in seasons by storing away our summer things and preparing our properties for colder weather.
Here are six things you can do to prepare your home for fall:
1. Check your roof and gutters
It’s a good idea to look over your roof and gutters now before winter sets in. Look for any shingles that are bent, cracked or missing, and replace them. Check for leaks in these areas as well as around chimneys and skylights. While you’re up there, clear the leaves and debris from your gutters while the weather is still good.
2. Clear your yard
To protect your backyard furniture from the cold, clean and cover it and store in a dry place. Move grills, barbeques and other outdoor tools such as lawnmowers into a shed or garage. Disconnect and drain your outside hose while you’re at it.
3. Get your HVAC serviced
This time of year, it’s a good idea to get your heating and air-conditioning system inspected and serviced. You don’t want to be stuck with a dirty filter that will let allergens into the air around your home during the cooler months. If you have ceiling fans, reverse direction to a clockwise motion to create an updraft to move warm air down.
4. Clean and weatherproof outside surfaces
Summer’s end is the last chance to rent a power washer you’ll need to clean your patio, driveway, deck and home exterior. You should also renew weatherproofing on decks, fences, and other exterior structures as well as insulate any pipes in unheated locations.
5. Check your home’s exterior for cracks
Take care of the exterior of your house before the fall rains, winter snows, and spring melt have their way. Openings in the structure can let water in where it will freeze, resulting in cracks and mold. Caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding and where pipes or wires enter the house before it gets too cold.
6. Check window and door seals
To save money on heating and cooling costs, check your windows and doors for drafts. Apply weather stripping or caulk around the frames to cut down on drafts. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the ground is tight too, to prevent drafts and small animals from entering. While you’re at it, clean windows of summer grime before cold weather sets in.
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