Getting Ready for Fall

Summer’s heat is fading and it is time to prepare yourself and your home for the upcoming change of season. In addition to routine inspection and maintenance to ensure that your HVAC system is operating as needed, there are numerous other things that every homeowner should be keep in mind when preparing for a shift from warm to cooler climates.

Here are a few items that are on my personal annual fall checklist. Though not exhaustive, these items are a great starting point. And best of all, most can be accomplished in minimal time using basic household tools:

• Early to mid-September is the best time to aerate and over-seed your lawn
• Caulk your window and door frames
• Inspect the weather stripping on all exterior doors
• Inspect your roof and gutters
• Check your crawlspace for signs of moisture
• Check all outdoor lighting for bulbs that need replacing
• Have your furnace serviced and have your duct system inspected
• Disconnect garden hoses from spigots, install spigot covers
• Close all foundation vents
• Service your leaf blower
• Adjust your thermostat program for heating season
• Make sure that your fireplace is clean
• Make sure that the fireplace damper is open and functioning properly
• Insulate the exterior of your water heater for improved efficiency
• Pack up summer clothes and unpack winter clothes
• Winterize the irrigation system
• Check/clean vent for the clothes dryer
• Change rotation on ceiling fans to push the heat down from the ceiling

Hopefully some of these items will help you make your home a more comfortable place to be this fall/winter. If you have any additional items please inquire below.