7 Tips on Preparing Your Home for Fall

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Clear Out the Gutters

Preparing your home for the fall? Remove leaves and other debris from your drainpipe and gutters to prevent clogging. If you live in an area with cold winters, drain your outdoor faucets in the fall to prevent freezing.

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Clean the Fireplace and Chimney

When preparing your home for the fall and cold months, don’t forget to clean the fireplace. You can clear out ash and charred wood from the fireplace yourself, but leave the chimney cleaning to a professional. Have the chimney cleaner check the damper to ensure it can be tightly closed to prevent drafts.

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Check the Heating System

Preparing your home for the fall should include checking the heating system. Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture, carpeting, or curtains. Dust all the vents and clean all filters, and make an appointment for an annual heating system check-up.

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Store Air Conditioners

Prepare for the fall by storing the air conditioner. If you have removable window air conditioners, be sure to unplug them before taking them down. Once they are out of your windows, dust and clean them before covering or storing. 

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Check for Drafts

Prepare for fall by checking for drafts. Stay warm, save energy, and reduce your heating bills by examining windows and doors for cracks. If you do find drafts, be sure to seal them properly to prevent drafts.

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Put Up Storm Windows

Prepare for fall by putting up storm windows. If you have removable screens, now’s the time to clean, store, and replace them with storm windows.

Preparing Your Home for Fall: Ready the Water Heater

Prepare for cooler weather by draining the water heater and clearing out any debris that has settled in the tank.

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