10/06/2021
Pumpkin Spice and everything nice. Fall welcomes the opportunity for you to weather prep your home. Here are the essentials for homeowners:
1. Check windows and doors for air leaks
Lower temperatures mean higher thermostat settings, and anyone in a cold climate knows the pain of opening a gas bill in the dead of winter.
2. Clean the chimney
Eliminating this from the chimney liner and the smoke box reduces the risk of a fire
3. Schedule a furnace tune-up
Listen for strange noises, such as booming, clicking, and squealing, when you turn on your furnace for the fall season, also pay attention to odd odors coming from the furnace.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
This is a quick and easy project most homeowners can handle on their own. Simply press and hold down the “test” button for a few seconds on each of your detectors.
5. Run ceiling fans in reverse
Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans helps circulate warm air near the ceiling back into your living space. (Heat rises, remember!) This can cut your heating costs by as much as 10%
6. Winterize your sprinkler system and hang up the hoses
It’s a good idea to winterize your outdoor irrigation system to prevent damage from freezing water. This process clears leftover water from the pipes in your irrigation system. Also, unhooking your hose and hanging them up for the winter will protect your hoses.
7. Clean the gutters
Throughout the year, your gutters fill up with leaves, sticks, and other debris. Failing to clear this gunk from your gutters can mean rain and melting snow won't be able to drain easily—potentially causing seepage and leaks into your home.
