Summer is Over, Get Ready for Fall & Winter

With Thanks Giving just a few days away, we need to remember that we should take those important steps to make sure our homes are prepared for the coming seasons. Preventative maintenance now will likely save us lots of money on expensive emergency repairs later and reduce our wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its appeal, comfort and potential resale value later. 

Maintenance and Protect Tips-

1. Furnace Inspection- Before the weather turns and our furnaces need to start running full time, it’s a good idea to have your furnace checked for leaks, heating efficiency and have the filter changed 
2. Check the Roof- First do a visual inspection of the roof from the ground, use binoculars to get a closer look or if your up to it safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. 
3. Clean the gutters- Clear your gutters by removing leaves and other debris from gutters and check for leaks you may need to hire a service for this if your unable but its well worth the expense.
4. Check for and Fix Drafts- Feel for drafts around windows and doors, a lit candle or match makes a great tool for finding drafts. If the the flame flickers then you most probably have a draft. If there is then replacing seals and repairing caulking is simple and inexpensive process and will go along to increasing your homes comfort and saving on the upcoming heating bills. Another tip to help with those drafty windows, buy heavier or insulated window drapes for those windows.
5. Prepare Air Conditioning Unit- For homes with central air, once you have decided you wont be using it anymore, it’s a good time to check the cover to make sure its still in good shape and if not replace it. Once you have good air conditioning cover, the cover the unit make surf the cover is tied down properly and secure.  If you use window air conditioning units, remove them and make sure the window is still in good shape and recheck for drafts or cover and seal the unit prevent air leaks.
6. Test Home Safety Alarms- You know the reminder to change your batteries when the clocks change in your fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, test them to make sure they're working properly at the same time.
7. Humidifiers- Check they're running still, replace old filters and clean insides.
8. Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the faucets. Shut off exterior faucets, and turn off the outside valve inside your home. Once hoses are drained and removed store them in a dry place to avoid freezing and cracking.
9. Check water drainage. Rainwater downspouts need to be clear of obstructions and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts is a good idea.
10. Fertilize lawn. Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Ask a local garden center or check online to find out which type of fertilizer you need and when to apply it. If you have a lawn service, they should do this for you.
11. Inspect trees. Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to power lines or the roof.

As we're puting away the shorts and bringing out our gloves and fall jackets, take this to make sure that your home is ready for the coming weather changes. Preventative maintenance will save money on expensive repairs and wasted utility costs, in addition to enhancing its value,appeal and most importantly your and your family's comfort.