Preparing your home for the fall season is a necessary task that can be both financially and personally rewarding. It is fairly common for homeowners to go right into the winter season without inspecting their home and preparing for it, which can sometimes lead to unexpected expenses and a race against the weather. Be sure to complete the following tasks this autumn, before the weather turns inclement, to keep you and your family comfortable all winter long.
1. Furnace
One of the most important components of a house in the wintertime is the furnace or heating system. Furnace filters should be checked and replaced when necessary, and a visual inspection of the filter should reveal if it needs to be changed or not. The furnace itself also needs to be inspected: the burner unit, pilot light, electronics and flue as improper installation or operation of furnace components can pose serious health risks like carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. For these reasons and more, furnace inspections and testing should be performed by a licensed professional in the fall season before peak demand begins.
2. Weather proofing
Heating costs and the demand on the heating system can be reduced by ensuring your house is sealed properly against wind and cold. Caulking around windows, window frames and door frames can drastically reduce the amount of heat loss your home experiences. Even simple tasks like keeping clean windows can help reduce costs by letting in more sunlight to assist with heating during the day. Weather stripping around all the doors also helps cut help heating bills tremendously, and some homeowners even seal up certain doors completely with tape or plastic for the entire season.
3. Foundations
Basements and foundations can prove to be a challenge in the fall season due to the expansion and contraction of the ground and the concrete foundation. These conditions can open cracks and allow leaks to form that damage property and pose health risks. Having the foundation inspected regularly can save thousands of dollars in emergency repairs and ensure you don’t have any surprises over the winter.
4. Outdoor cleaning
Clearing debris and fallen leaves from the area surrounding your home leaves less to accumulate in gutters, air intakes and drains. Clearing old and rotting branches from trees or any overhanging branches is also important; the strong winter winds and added weight of snow and ice can bring weaker branches down with little or no warning. Water lines, water hoses and sprinkler systems are also susceptible to the winter cold and need to be prepared in the autumn. All hoses should be disconnected and stored, sprinkler systems should be cleared of water and water lines should be inspected and insulated as needed.
5. Security
Many families are away from home more in the winter, so take some time during the fall to consider a local home alarm. Having an alarm system installed can give you peace of mind, and better protect your home against intruders, particularly when there are holiday gifts inside. Most security systems come with wireless alarm systems and also help notify authorities in the event of fire or flood.
A house is typically the largest investment any individual makes in their lifetime, so take care to protect your investment and reduce your living expenses. Following these simple tips can prevent damage to your home, save you money on your home expenses and give you peace of mind and comfort this winter.
