As we get ready for fall’s seasonal changes, it’s a good time to make a list of ways to prepare your home for the changes that are coming. Fall and winter bring colder, possibly damp weather, so you should take steps now to ensure your home is ready.
Get an HVAC Inspection
Make sure your heating system is ready to go for lower temperatures. When that first frost hits, you don’t want to be calling the HVAC expert in the middle of the night for emergency help. Instead, schedule a maintenance update to catch and repair any minor issues before they get worse.
While they’re there, the HVAC technician can also handle any air conditioning repair work that needs to be done now that the busy summer AC season is over. With a routine checkup, they can catch any minor issues that you might not have noticed yet and fix them. Early air conditioning repair will keep them from developing into major problems over the winter and will ensure that your AC is ready to go next year when you turn it on. Repairing them now will also be cheaper than when they become bigger problems.
Weatherproof Windows and Doors
Check the weather strips along your window frames and doors. Likely, they will be worn and need partial or complete replacement. Weather stripping these areas helps to keep cold air out and warm air inside. It can also prevent outside pests from creeping through the cracks to find winter shelter.
Most weather stripping is easy to install; just peel the backing off the strips and attach them to the framework where needed. Alternatively, you can fill small cracks with caulk. A simple repair like this can reduce your heating costs.
Check Your Home’s Foundation
Walk around your house to see how the foundation is holding up. Signs of crumbling or deterioration should be addressed before the winter. Examine any cables leading into your home from outside to find and repair gaps with putty to keep out moisture and rodents.
The basement side of the foundation can be checked for signs of dampness or mold. If you find any, you should waterproof the basement before bad weather arrives. You can do this yourself or find a repairman to take care of it for you.
Look for Roof Leaks
Have a roofing professional check out your roof for missing shingles, loosened nails, a broken chimney cap, or damaged gutters. Repair anything that is broken to avoid leaks. Accumulations of ice and snow or high winds can make the damage worse and cause the repair bill to skyrocket when the work is finally done.
Clean the Fireplace
If you have an active fireplace, clean out any leftover debris and have the chimney checked for evidence of creosote buildup, a byproduct of combustion. Creosote is a leading cause of chimney fires and should be removed if there is a significant amount on the interior chimney walls.
Add tasks like these to your home preparation checklist to be ready for the blustery, cold winter season. Doing these tasks now will protect you, your family, and your home from harm. Additionally, they can save you money in the long run.
