Have you taken the necessary steps to assure that your home will be protected from the harsh winter months? Better to take these precautions now while the weather is decent. Here are some tips for necessary fall home maintenance.
Clean those gutters!
Fall foliage is the most stunning aspect of the autumn months, but when leaves begin falling... things can get a bit messy around the yard. Make sure to inspect and excavate your gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris a few times during the season. This can prevent blockage, which can lead to overflowing water. Overflowing gutters can cause serious damage to the paint and siding of your home. If the clog freezes, it may destroy your gutters, loosen shingles, and cause other damage due to leakage.
Inspect that roof!
Keep an eye on your roof during fall to make sure that it is ready for winter. Look out for missing or loose shingles, and repair any damage as soon as possible. The cold weather combined with destructive weather: rain, snow, ice, and wind, could severely damage your roof, which can lead to damage to the inside of your home. If you are not comfortable working on the roof, you can always hire a professional to check it out/ make repairs for you.
Check your windows!
Don't let costly heat escape your home this fall! Seal any drafts in windows, walls, doors, or any other gaps throughout your home. Weather-stripping and caulk are useful for any areas that air can escape. Taking these steps will provide the most favorable heating this fall season and in some cases may save you up to 10% on your total energy costs.
Reverse your ceiling fan!
Believe it or not- reversing the direction of your ceiling fan can help make the room warmer by creating an upward draft that redistributes heated air from the ceiling throughout your room.
Get your heating system checked!
Hiring a professional to inspect your heating system is a very wise decision, to ensure that it is clean and working properly. This includes inspecting burners, filters, and pilot lights. Making sure that you have a properly functioning and clean heating system will save you time and money, and help you avoid any headaches in the future. If you have a woodstove/ fireplace, be sure to get those checked out as well to guarantee optimal heating this winter.
Install storm windows!
We live in an area that gets SLAMMED during the winter months. You should strongly consider installing storm windows before the winter storms and extreme cold hit. Storm windows protect against breaking, and save you money by preventing heat from escaping.
Hope these tips help you out with your winterizing needs!