September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Now is a good time to take stock of things around your home to make sure you’re prepared for cooler months. Good maintenance is the secret to long life for many things around the house, and here’s a handy checklist to help you prepare for the season ahead.
Change your filters
‘Tis the season (actually every season is) to change your air filter. With windows and doors tightly closed, you’re going to be breathing a lot of re-circulated indoor air during the fall months, so make sure you have clean filters that can keep dust, allergens, pet dander, mold, and bacteria at bay. For your gas heater or furnace, Heating Specialties can inspect it, service it and make sure there’s no threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Clean your gutters
Prevent clogs in your gutters this winter by clearing leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters.
Seal those leaks
In the fall, the changes to the temperature and humidity levels can lead to issues with window seals. Check to see if there are any cracks or gaps in your seals. Check both windows and doors for drafts, and caulk or install weather stripping. Don’t forget to check your garage door, too.
Clean your fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned, and make any repairs necessary to prevent chimney fires (or carbon monoxide poisoning).
Check your heating system
This is an important part of your fall home checklist, and fall is a much better time to discover any minor issues before winter hits. It’s a good time to have your HVAC inspected to extend the life of your equipment and improve its efficiency.
Do an insulation check
After you make sure your heating system is running efficiently, don’t lose what you’ve gained by having inadequate insulation. Take a peek in the attic to make sure the vapor barrier is face down. If you need to beef up your insulation, consider having fiberglass insulation blown in to fill gaps and cover hard-to-reach spaces.
Check your roof
Inspect your roof for wear and tear — or better yet, have a licensed professional do it for you. Check for curling, buckling, or cracking shingles that need to be replaced. Check also around the flashing for skylights, chimneys, and other pipe vents for leaks or gaps.
Keep pests out
You’re not the only one who will be feeling the cooler temperatures. Pests of all kinds love to come inside where’s it’s warm — especially the inviting insulation in the attic. Keep them out by installing a screen behind vents that lead into the house.
Reprogram your thermostat
It’s time to make those temperature adjustments. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one for energy savings. Proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you around $180 annually.
Wrap those pipes
Want to avoid frozen pipes this winter? Wrap those exterior water pipes in insulation. Also, turn off the valves to all exterior hose outlets, and remember to run the water out until the pipes are empty.
It might be hard to let go of summer, but it’s important to make sure your home is ready for Fall before it’s too late (and too cold!). If your furnace isn’t ready, out trusted, licensed techs can help. Give us a call or request your next appointment online!