October 11, 2017

Fall is the season of change: change in temperature, weather and colors. It is also the time when you have to start thinking on how to prepare your home for the cold season and take care of things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Gutters, roofs, HVAC systems are just of few of the items that require maintenance and repairs to prepare your home for cooler weather.

• Clean the fireplace and chimney: call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Plus, you want to have it all ready and clean for when Santa comes :)
• Have a specialized company service your HVAC unit, to make sure that the system is clean, in good condition and that it meets its manufacturer rated efficiency.
• Home safety check: replace batteries in your smoke detectors
• Clean humidifiers – replace old filters and clean inside compartment

• Restock for winter essentials: salt, ice melt, shovels, snowblower

• Clean out gutters and downspouts and inspect for potential leaking: if gutters are full of leaves and debris, water can back up against the house and damage roof, siding or trim;
• Visually inspect your roof for any missing/loose shingles that may leak during the Fall’s storms or from melting snow;
• Check and repair damaged seals around vents or chimneys
• Inspect siding and walls: the exterior of your home will most likely see some action in the cold season. Inspect for chipped paint, cracks and blisters and repair as needed.
• Reinforce windows and doors (check for drafts) – caulk the gaps between siding and windows to prevent any water intrusion and apply weather stripping as needed
• Prep your deck: sand down any splinters, repair damaged boards and reseal to protect for rain and snowfall
• Fix cracks in concrete and asphalt
• Turn off outdoor plumbing: undrained water in pipes can freeze, which will cause pipes to burst as ice expands;
• Landscaping: mow your lawn and fertilize it for winter, trim down trees and bushes

Last but not least, have a fully stocked emergency safety kit handy. Once you finish with your autumn checklist, you will be ready to relax in your warm, comfortable home and enjoy the season.