Fall
Fall
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR
Before the cold weather hits, here are a few things you should do to get your home ready for the coming cold weather seasons and boost energy efficiency:
Walk all around your property checking for anything that needs repair before inclement weather arrives.
Inspect your roof, and schedule repairs if needed. Clean your gutters and downspouts throughout the fall and winter.
Look up the chimney for blockages, check that the damper is working, and schedule it for servicing and cleaning.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain water still in faucets. If you do not have frost-proof faucets, install a foam insulated faucet cover or turn the shut-off valve to off inside your home. Stow your mower and other gardening equipment, drain fuel, and clean yard tools to prevent rust.
Check your trees for any weak areas that could cause damage during a fall or winter storm.
Rake or mow over leaves before winter comes to ensure a healthy lawn when spring arrives.
Check crawlspaces for flooding after the first long rainfall.
Make sure your attic and crawlspaces have adequate insulation. Clean out the bathroom fan/filter.
Inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure that it can achieve maximum efficiency or schedule a service appointment. Be sure to install a new filter to start the indoor heating season. Check to make sure your thermostat works properly. Turn your gas fireplace pilot light ON. Repair any window cracks or holes in weather stripping or caulking. If the gap is bigger than the width of a nickel, reapply exterior caulk. Similarly, fill any gaps and holes where critters can enter. Continually check your air vents (and dryer vent) to make sure they aren’t blocked. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make a fire escape plan for your house, and take time to review it with all family members. Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of the house and in the garage. Make sure you have new batteries in all flashlights, and place them where they can be easily found around the house. Stock up on supplies for fall and winter, including snow shovels, ice melt products, ice scrapers and seasoned firewood.
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR
Before the cold weather hits, here are a few things you should do to get your home ready for the coming cold weather seasons and boost energy efficiency:
Walk all around your property checking for anything that needs repair before inclement weather arrives.
Inspect your roof, and schedule repairs if needed. Clean your gutters and downspouts throughout the fall and winter.
Look up the chimney for blockages, check that the damper is working, and schedule it for servicing and cleaning.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain water still in faucets. If you do not have frost-proof faucets, install a foam insulated faucet cover or turn the shut-off valve to off inside your home.
Stow your mower and other gardening equipment, drain fuel, and clean yard tools to prevent rust.
Check your trees for any weak areas that could cause damage during a fall or winter storm.
Rake or mow over leaves before winter comes to ensure a healthy lawn when spring arrives.
Check crawlspaces for flooding after the first long rainfall.
Make sure your attic and crawlspaces have adequate insulation. Clean out the bathroom fan/filter.
Inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure that it can achieve maximum efficiency or schedule a service appointment. Be sure to install a new filter to start the indoor heating season. Check to make sure your thermostat works properly. Turn your gas fireplace pilot light ON. Repair any window cracks or holes in weather stripping or caulking. If the gap is bigger than the width of a nickel, reapply exterior caulk. Similarly, fill any gaps and holes where critters can enter. Continually check your air vents (and dryer vent) to make sure they aren’t blocked. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make a fire escape plan for your house, and take time to review it with all family members. Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of the house and in the garage. Make sure you have new batteries in all flashlights, and place them where they can be easily found around the house. Stock up on supplies for fall and winter, including snow shovels, ice melt products, ice scrapers and seasoned firewood.