Yes folks with the passing of Labor Day its officially Fall and you know what that means? Yep, it means its a handful of weeks before that "other" season comes to our wonderful midwest climate and blesses us with things like snow, cold weather, freezing pipes, cars that won't start, icy roads and so much more! So now, is the time to get to work on those projects that need to be done while the weather cooperates to prepare your home and help protect your investment.
1) Your Furnace - Usually for not more than about $100 you can have your heating duct work cleaned and serviced. This is important for the efficiency of your heating system and also good for your health! By having your duct work cleaned, you can be more confident that the air your breathing is cleaner. This is also a good time to check your Humidifier Filter and replace the filter if necessary.
2) Your Roof - Look for damaged shingles, missing shingles or flashing that may need to be replaced or fixed. Damaged shingles, missing or loose flashing can lead to ice and snow finding there way into your home and causing damage once melted. Hire a handyman for small projects that you can't tackle, a roofer for a large project and protect your home from the elements!
3) Your Windows / Doors - Caulk around the windows and doors. If there is a gap bigger than the width of a nickel, experts will tell you to reapply caulk or window glaze putty. Add weatherstripping as needed around doors, making sure you can't see daylight from inside your home.
4) Clean Windows - Purely for aesthetics but with winter around the corner, now is the time to get outside and clean windows that need attention.
5) Gutters - Clean these out! They will be full of leaves and shingle debris and if not cleaned out can cause serious damage to your roof during harsh winters. Ice and snow build-up will have no where to go and creep there way under the roof edge and under the shingles. By cleaning out your gutters your taking preventative steps to insuring your protecting your roof. Services for this shouldn't range more than a couple hundred dollars for a single family home depending on size.
6) Garden Hoses - Disconnect and drain your water hose. If this stays connected, any water within the drain and hose can back up and the water can follow the line back into the home and freeze causing damage to your pipes. Drain your exterior lines and turn off the shut-off valve inside your home.
7) Trim Landscaping - Cut back trees within 5 feet of your home, trim areas within a foot of the home or clear debris. Your going to encourage better growth of the bushes/trees when spring comes by trimming them up and will also avoid damage potentially to your siding from decay.
8) Lawn Irrigation System? - If yes, have this drained professionally. This should run between 50-150 dollars depending on the size and this will help pipes from freezing and leaking come spring.
9) Thermostat - Experts will tell you that a programmable thermostat can save you as much as 180 annual on heating and cooling. For an investment of 50-100 dollars you can find a quality energy star unit with pre-programmed settings.
10) Smoke Detectors / Carbon Minoxide - Check batteries to make sure they are running well
11) Fireplace - Be sure this is clean and ready for action to keep you warm during those chilly evenings this fall and our upcoming winter.
I hope this list of fall to do's is beneficial for you and helpful as you undertake the preparation of the new seasons ahead of us for your home. Have a great day and please feel free to share with your friends and family, thank you!!!
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