Colder weather is just around the corner. Before the temperatures drop, make a plan for fall home maintenance. Here are a few tasks that will help you prepare your home for winter.
Are You Ready to Heat Your Home?
You will soon need to switch your home’s air conditioning system over to heating. Before that happens, assess the health of the main heating system and other appliances you’ll use this winter.
Check the HVAC filters and replace them if necessary. The manufacturer of your heating and air conditioning system will offer recommendations about how frequently to change or clean the air filters. This helps your HVAC system operate safely and as efficiently as possible and improves the air quality in your home. If you plan on using other appliances, like a humidifier or space heaters, verify that they are clean and in good working order before use.
Before winter arrives, check the HVAC vents to make sure that they are clean and allow for good airflow. Often, vent covers and registers become clogged with dust, dirt, and pet dander. Remove the vent covers, wipe them down, and vacuum out the accessible ducting. Make sure the system is off before you begin cleaning so it doesn’t turn on automatically and blow dust in your face.
Fall Home Maintenance Means Taking Care of Outdoor Equipment
After you mow the lawn for the final time this season, store your equipment properly. Clean the grass clippings from the lawnmower deck as well as from the guard on your weedeater. Drain leftover fuel or add a stabilizing agent so that you don’t experience difficulty starting the equipment next spring.
This is also the time to make sure your fall lawn maintenance equipment is working. If your tools have been sitting since last year, they may need some TLC. Make sure the leaf blower fires up and runs smoothly. If it doesn’t, start with the basics: add fresh fuel, check the air filter, and change the spark plug.
Basic Winterization is Part of Fall Home Maintenance
Properly winterizing a home will contribute to the comfort of your family and help you save energy. In addition to making sure that your HVAC system is ready to transition to heat, there are several other tasks you’ll need to complete.
- Clean the gutters. Gutter channels that are full of leaves and other debris are one of the main causes of a leaky roof or damaged siding.
- Before frigid temperatures set in, turn off the water supply to outside spigots and disconnect hoses. Check to make sure that your home’s pipes are adequately insulated, especially in areas that are directly exposed to the air outside.
- Check the doors and windows of your home for places where air leaks. Replace damaged weatherstripping, apply new caulk, and install a heat-shrink film over windows that are susceptible to drafts.
Fall and winter are on their way, bringing changing leaves and a few chores to keep your home in good condition. These fall home maintenance tips help you get ahead so you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to prepare your property for winter weather.
Ocean State Home Inspections provides inspection services to customers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Contact us to request an appointment.