With summer almost over, it’s time to start preparing your home for fall and the cooler temperatures that come with it. The following tips will help you get ready for the seasonal change, from closing up your windows to tidying up your outdoor furniture. There’s still plenty of time to enjoy the late summer weather before it officially becomes fall, but by taking these steps now, you’ll have everything in place when that first cold front blows through town.
Clean your gutters
It's always a good idea to clean your gutters at least once every fall. This way, leaves, rain, and other debris won't build up in your gutter and cause it to overflow onto your house or driveway when it rains. If you're not sure how to do this, you can hire professionals to do the job for you. If you love DIYs, YouTube has many helpful videos that can help you. Always be careful, though. While working from a ladder, it is important to take safety precautions such as wearing gloves and goggles to prevent injury.
Seal up air leaks.
Leaks in your home will cost you a fortune in heating and cooling bills, so it's important to take time before fall arrives to seal up those leaks. Windows, doors, gaps around pipes—these are all opportunities for warm air to escape. Start by using silicone caulk or weather-stripping at places where air can flow freely through cracks and seams. Seal windows with plastic sheeting or peel-and-stick film until after winter has passed.
Stock up on firewood
Preparing your home is not just about prepping your house with decorative items and having a great setup inside. It's also about making sure you're prepared on the outside of your house as well. If you don't have any firewood but you plan on using it this fall, it would be a good idea to stock up on firewood now. Wood has been seen as a universal symbol of safety and warmth for many years, and there is no reason why we should stop using it today.
Inspect your roof and chimney
When inspecting your roof, check it from the ground and climb onto the roof to get a better look. One of the most important parts of this inspection is making sure that all rain gutters are clean and unclogged. If you notice any problems with your gutters, call a professional immediately so they can be taken care of before it's too late. It's also important to inspect the chimney; some brick or mortar may need repair, while others may just need sweeping. The outside walls should also be inspected for damage like cracks or peeling paint and pests such as termites or ants; these could become serious if left unchecked.
Give your furnace a checkup
One important part of fall preparation is ensuring your furnace is working properly. If you find that your unit isn't functioning, it could be time to replace it before fall and winter come. The last thing you want is a faulty furnace and no heat when it gets cold outside. Replacing an old furnace can help save on energy costs as well. You might also want to consider adding insulation around pipes and other areas in your home. While these fixes might not seem like a big deal now, they will keep you more comfortable in the long run!
Ready your fireplace
All you need is a ladder, a broom, and some natural log cuttings. Before you start using your fireplace, make sure your chimney flue and damper are open to prevent creosote buildup on your chimney and flue liner. If you have a wood-burning stove, make sure it's installed properly in accordance with manufacturer specifications, with clearances of at least 4 inches from combustible material such as wood siding or cabinetry.
Plant fall bulbs for spring flowers
Fall is a great time to start planting bulbs around your home. Bulbs require a lot of time to grow and mature, so many people choose this as a hobby that can span many months. Planting these plants will have them blooming come springtime, providing you with beautiful flowers that should last all season long.
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