It’s that time of year when the air is getting crisp and the leaves are starting to fall. During this time, it is important to take into consideration the temperature change and how it affects several aspects of your home. For starters, there are a couple of maintenance checks that homeowners should make around the house to prepare for the colder months.
Check Your HVAC System
Homeowners need to check their HVAC systems every now and then to confirm it is up to par. You’ll want to inspect your system before the new season because it controls the airflow throughout your home; hot and cold. The air quality of your home also depends on your system’s performance. To ensure that your HVAC stays in good shape all-year-round, some find it beneficial to consider a home warranty policy. Not only does this policy help maintain the quality of your systems, but it also provides peace-of-mind for people who encounter unexpected costs of repairs to their home’s system.
Once the summer heat fades, you’ll no longer need to use your A/C system. However, to ensure that it lasts through the colder months, it is a good idea to winterize it or properly store it if you have window units. Covering the unit will help protect it from leaves, ice, and any other debris from the weather.
Another step you need to take to ensure your HVAC system is properly working is to inspect and clean your furnace. It is recommended that you should check your furnace every year to make sure that it is running well. Winterizing your A/C system and inspecting your furnace are two simple ways to prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Assess Your Insulation
To keep your home insulated, consider caulking windows and cracks in walls to keep the heat in. You may also want to consider weatherstripping doors and windows. This will prevent any air leaks that may be present. Additionally, if you have a chimney, make sure you have a chimney cap. This will help prevent downdrafts when it isn’t in use.
It is also important to keep in mind that during the fall and winter months, critters and bugs attempt to escape the cold and find warm spaces indoors. Assess your home’s insulation and make sure to seal up any holes or cracks on the exterior of your home to prevent those unwanted visitors from coming in and your heating bill from going through the roof.
Inspect Gutters & Roof
Try to beat the leaves and clear out your gutters at the beginning of fall. Doing so will allow for easy water flow from your roof to the ground. This is also a great way to prevent water damage to your home.
You should also consider inspecting your roof. By doing this, you can fix any holes, dippings in your roof, and any missing shingles. Getting your roof inspected or doing it yourself is a great idea and can help prevent potential water damage to your home if left untouched.
Prepare Your Outdoor Furniture & Pool
If you don’t feel comfortable storing your furniture indoors or don’t have that extra room, think about utilizing a storage unit. This way, you won’t have to worry about limited space around the house or in your garage. If you have furniture that can stand the winter months, buy covers to give them some extra protection so you can get more use out of them.
Closing your pool can be a daunting and time-consuming task, but it is worth completing in the end. Make sure you are closing your pool properly, so you won’t have any issues when you go to reopen in the spring and summer.
Taking all these steps will make for a flawless transition into the cooler months.