5 Weekend Tasks to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

As summer comes to an end, it’s important for homeowners to begin thinking about getting their house ready for the cooler temperatures that come with fall. These 10 tasks will help you make sure everything is in working order.

1.Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Don’t wait for a chilly fall night to discover your HVAC system is not operating efficiently. Schedule an appointment now with a professional for a thorough inspection of your system’s switches, burners, motor, blower, and safety controls. Also, put a new air filter on your shopping list. It’s important to change the filter every 1 to 3 months.

2.Check Your Windows & Doors
As you consider ways to keep your house warm, remember that precious heat can escape from your doors and windows if they aren’t properly sealed. Check for cracks of daylight that need caulk or weatherstripping.

3.Clean Out Your Fireplace & Chimney
Get out your flashlight and check the chimney for any blockages that may have accumulated during the warmer months. Clear away any leaves, ash debris, or even animal nests you encounter.

4.Inspect the Roof & Gutters
Well before the first snowfall hits, make sure your roof and gutters are in good condition. When you inspect your roof, look for shingles that are missing, broken, loose or beginning to curl. Replacing worn or missing shingles right away can help extend the life of your roof and prevent a small problem from becoming more serious. While you’re on the ladder, use your garden hose to flush away any debris that may be clogging your gutters and downspouts.

5.Cover Your Air Conditioner
Your A/C unit served you well all summer, but as it goes into hibernation for fall and winter, give it the protect it needs. An A/C cover provides the perfect shield against snow, hail, wind, rain, and ice. It also keeps critters from taking up residence for the winter in your unit.

It only takes a weekend or two to prep your home for cooler weather, but completing these important tasks now will help you save money on your heating bills and protect your home’s exterior from the harsh weather when it arrives.