6 Things to Take Care of Before Fall Arrives
Fall is just around the corner, and it’s time to start prepping your home for the upcoming season…are you ready? As we move towards the somewhat cooler months, there are certain things that you need to do to ensure that your home is ready for the change in weather. Read on as we share about 6 important things you need to take care of before fall settles in.
1. Check Your Heating System (HVAC)
Ensure your home is comfortably warm when fall sets in, and one way to do this is by taking a proactive approach to your heating system. Hiring a professional technician or HVAC company, someone like Home Heating Service, Inc., to perform an inspection of your furnace, boilers, and other heating systems will guarantee that everything is running efficiently. Not only will this save you money on energy costs, but it will also prolong the lifespan of your heating system and prevent any major repairs from cropping up later on. Taking care of this now will give you peace of mind and ensure a cozy winter season in the comfort of your own home. And at the very least, be sure to change the air filters in your HVAC system (for all the appropriate reasons).
If you have a fireplace that is wood burning or similar, contact your local chimney sweep before winter hits to get it cleaned and inspected. You’d be surprised at how many house fires start because of saturated chimneys that could’ve been prevented if it was cleaned and inspected. Let us know if you need any referrals for this.
2. Seal Up Drafts
As autumn rolls around, it's important to consider weatherproofing your home, especially when it comes to sealing drafts around your windows and doors. By doing so, you can prevent cold air from seeping into your home, while ensuring warm air remains inside where it belongs. Not only does this help keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but it can also lead to reduced energy bills since your heating system will not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Taking the time to seal drafts may seem like a small task, but the benefits can be significant in terms of comfort and cost savings. It may also take you longer than you think to clean caulk windows, and add weatherproofing to any doors that may need it.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are an essential component of any home's roofing system. They play a critical role in directing rainwater away from your house's foundation and walls. However, things like leaves, pine needles and accumulated dirt, can clog your gutters during this season. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. Gutters can also spring leaks (pun intended) in corners and areas where there are seams. To avoid the hassle of dealing with such issues, it’s wise to have your gutters cleaned and repaired before the leaves start to fall. A professional inspection and cleaning can ensure that your gutters remain free of debris and are working efficiently. If you choose to do this yourself (which we don’t advise because it typically means getting on ladders and/or the roof), please do so with caution, and put the appropriate safety measures in place.
4. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
As the days start to get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to focus on your lawn and garden. A great way to solidify a healthy yard for the cooler months, is to aerate the soil. Compacted soil can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, but aerating solves that problem. In addition to aerating, fertilizing your lawn will give it the nutrients it needs to grow stronger during the fall. If you’re able to, use organic fertilizer if you have pets and wildlife that feed in your yard. Finally, you can prune trees and remove any dead plants so that you’re able to promote healthy growth in the spring time. By following these simple steps, homeowners can rest easy knowing their lawn and garden is well-prepared for the upcoming season.
5. Test Detectors
As the weather changes and the heaters start to turn on, it’s critical that your home is equipped with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regularly testing these devices and replacing batteries when necessary can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire or gas leak. Don't take chances with the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Take a few moments to confirm that your detectors are in proper working condition, and make any necessary updates now before it's too late.
6. Protect Your Outdoor Equipment and Furniture
As the fall season approaches, homeowners know that it's time to prepare their outdoor equipment and furniture for the rough weather ahead. The rain, wind, and frost can be damaging to these items, so it's crucial to protect them throughout the autumn months. By taking the time to cover and store them in a safe place, homeowners can extend the life of their outdoor equipment and furniture while also saving money in the long run. Another tip we learned when we moved to colder weather, is to use non ethanol gas in any gas related lawn and yard equipment (it usually minimizes the need to run them empty for the winter months). Not only will this prevent damage from occurring, but it will also ensure that these items are ready to use when the warmer months roll around once again.
As you know, fall is a picturesque season, with crisp air and vibrant colors adorning the outdoor landscape. That being said, the transition from summer to autumn can be a tricky one for homeowners. Not only will proper preparation save you time and headaches, but it can also help you save money in the long run. So, take the time to care for these tasks before fall and the cold, winter weather sets in, and enjoy all that makes it a lovely season.
If you’re thinking of listing your property, or if you don’t own a home, condo or similar, and are interested in buying, let me know so I can help walk you through the current market conditions, as well as all the resources and referrals I have from my many years of success in the industry. As an 11 year, Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent, knowing that no matter what is happening in the economy (and especially now), you need an exceptional real estate broker as your ally…and you’ll be in great hands with my team and me!
Please reach out, I’m here to assist and help you “Move Forward,”
Teresa Catania, Broker
West + Main Homes
West + Main Homes Oregon
Bend Oregon | Central Oregon | Portland Oregon
503-740-3293
teresa@teresacatania.com
