Simple Ways to Get Your Home Fall-Ready

We understand. You would rather savor the waning days of the summer season than prepare your home for the coming fall, but tackling your fall chores now means that you can enjoy fall in all its glory worry-free!

Now is a good time to prepare your home for cooler weather, falling leaves, and winter storms. Following these simple fall home maintenance tasks will help you save money in the long run since you’ll be avoiding expensive and potentially dangerous damage to your home.

Keep your gutters clean

Your home’s drainage system diverts a huge amount of water from your home’s foundation walls and exterior, so it is essential that you keep this system in good working order. Keeping your gutters clean and clog-free will prevent water from going into your basement and from damaging exterior surfaces. So, before the autumn leaves fall, make sure that your gutters are clean and cover them with mesh guards to keep the debris away.

Check the roof

There are a few homeowner issues that are more worrisome than a leaky roof. It can be time-consuming to look for the source of the issue once the dripping starts. Do some preventive maintenance before the cold season turns these annoyances into catastrophes.

Check your roof thoroughly with the use of binoculars. Scan its entirety for any sign of damage, and if you spot any, it might be time to call a professional for help.

Seal up air leaks

Think of a home with air leaks like an unbuttoned coat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing up weatherstripping and gaps in caulk can help save you up to 20 percent on utility bills.  Weatherstripping helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year and is one of the most cost-effective ways to save on cooling and heating costs. Unfortunately, weatherstripping and caulk have the tendency to deteriorate over time, so it’s essential to have them regularly checked.

Also, check for damaged or missing caulk around doors, windows, and entry points for cable, electrical, gas, and phone. If there are any, be sure to seal them with a suitable caulk.

Clean or replace your furnace filter

The furnace filters can trap dust, and if they are clogged, they will have to work double time to keep your room comfortably warm, hence raising your utility bills. To keep your filters debris-free, all you need to do is to clean them on a monthly basis. If you use disposable filters, you can vacuum them once before replacement. Foam filters generally do not need to be replaced unless they are showing signs of damage. Simply vacuum them. If the filter is electrostatic or metal, wash it with a power hose.

We still have a few weeks left of summer weather, and these simple ways to prepare your home for the upcoming season through some basic fall home maintenance tasks will give your house some TLC before the crisp months arrive.

Sources:

“9 Things You Should Do to Your Home Before Fall Starts,” House Beautiful, https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/a22652916/fall-home-maintenance-checklist/
“Weatherstripping,” U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherstripping