Get Your Home Ready For Fall And Winter!
Whether you are ready for it or not, fall has just arrived and winter is only around the corner. The days are getting shorter and the temperature cooler, it’s time to start preparing your house for what’s in store for the next six months. Your home is not only your pride and joy but also your largest single investment.
Here are some tips on getting your home prepped for the seasons ahead( fall & winter). If you are not comfortable handling any of the tasks yourself, hire a professional so that you don’t get hurt or cause unnecessary damage to your home.
1. Put your barbeque to bed
As the weather gets cooler, it is a great time to clean your grill, disconnect the tank and store it somewhere safe. If you plan on keeping your barbeque outside make sure to buy a barbeque cover to protect it from the elements.
2. Clean your yard
You won’t be getting much use out of your backyard in the colder months, so fall is a great time to cover or store backyard furniture, summer decorations, and lighting.
3. Disconnect your outdoor hose and sprinkler systems
Canada’s winters get frigidly cold, to ensure protection for your outdoor pipes make sure to turn off the water to outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Make sure to run the tap after the water has been shut off in order to drain the water in the lines. Hoses should be disconnected and stored, and sprinkler systems should be blown out and turned off.
4. Clean your eavestroughs and downspouts
Make sure to clean out your eavestroughs before winter. During fall a lot of leaves will being to fall and can clog up and fill your eavestroughs and downspouts blocking water from flowing away from your house. We all know water is your home’s worst enemy so even though the task may be time-consuming, it’s well worth the effort. If you are not comfortable with the task yourself, you can always hire professionals like Personal Paradise Gardening & landscaping or others that offer the service to do this for you.
5. Put your air conditioning unit to rest
Home A/C units should be turned off from the breaker in your electrical panel as well as the safety shut-off switch located outside by the unit. To ensure the longevity of your unit it’s good to service the unit by power washing the unit and vacuuming out the interior and checking for any damage.
6. Caulk around windows, doors, and other openings.
Caulking around windows, doors and any outside openings helps prevent the cold air and water from getting inside and prevents hot air from escaping. It’s a good idea to always do a perimeter check every spring and fall to make sure there are no missed or weak spots. Having a good seal ensures your home is more comfortable in the winter and it will help you save money by wasting less energy.
7. Clean and inspect your furnace
Before you turn your furnace back on, make sure you do some general maintenance. Make sure to change out the furnace filter, it helps the air quality in the house and keeps your furnace running efficiently. If you have a permanent filter, make sure to follow the manufactures directions on how to clean and service it.
I hope these tips help you get a head start on your seasonal maintenance. Remember your home is your single largest investment and a place for your family to grow and build memories, don’t you want to keep it in the best shape so it lasts years to come? A little bit of maintenance goes a long way, and also remember if your not comfortable carrying out certain tasks, hire a professional to help!