We’re only days away from embracing the fall season. For many people, autumn is the best time of the year. It’s beautiful, the weather is usually quite lovely, and it’s the lead up to the holiday season. However, don’t forget to prepare your home for fall. After a summer spent outdoors, with the air conditioning on full blast or the windows thrown open, our homes need some kind of reset to prepare for the cooler months. Odds are, you have some indoor and outdoor touch ups to complete around your property before the fall season really settles in, so here are some things you might want to consider to prepare your home for fall!
Clean eavestroughs
One of the prettiest parts of fall is the sight of leaves turning red and floating to the ground. Unfortunately, this also means autumn is prime time for those leaves and other debris to get stuck in your eavestroughs. If you don’t clean these out, it can cause more than just an unattractive sight. Ignoring leaves in your eavestroughs will result in water buildup if rain can’t run freely down your gutters. It will then freeze, which can cause your eavestroughs to sag. Even though it’s still early in the season, you can clean out your gutters and eavestroughs now. Starting with a clean slate means it won’t be as big of a task later in the season when you have to give them one last cleaning before winter.
Seal and secure windows
Poor quality windows can be a big problem in your home for fall. Drafts are common in the autumn as those gusty winds blow in, but they’re not something anyone really wants to deal with. The last thing you want is to be shivering in your home as we approach winter! Take a look at your window sills and ledges. If you notice any cracks or rattling windows, it’s a good sign you need to seal up those areas. Caulking and sealant are quick ways to reduce heat loss by your windows. If you’re extra invested, you can also buy some heavy duty curtains to keep the cold at bay. A protective layer of extra material goes a long way in trapping heat in your home.
Have your heating checked
You probably haven’t turned your heat on since the winter. After all, it’s been one steaming hot summer! Now is a good time to make sure your heating system is good to go for this season. Turn it on a bit earlier than necessary just to make sure it’s working properly. After that, you can turn it off again if it’s too warm to need it just yet. Plus, heating companies get the most calls from customers in the winter, when their systems most often go downhill. Checking yours now puts you ahead of the game, so you can fix any issues before it’s urgent.
Do a roof check
Fall and winter can bring in some big storms, either from rain or snow. Get ahead of those potential dangers now by making sure your roof is in good condition and no shingles are falling off or in bad shape. If there are any spots where shingles are loose or out of place, call a roofer to get them fixed up right away. You don’t want to leave them in case they worsen over the winter, and you end up needing to replace your entire roof.
Clear those leaves (or don’t!)
As beautiful as those autumn leaves can be, no one likes to clean them up. However, people are of two minds when it comes to dealing with this fall foliage. Some choose to gather them up into compost bags, which helps avoid slips if they get wet from rain. On the other hand, some people put the rakes away in favour of letting the leaves sit. They serve as shelter for small animals in the colder months, and they also help keep your soil healthy. It’s understandable if you don’t want leaves littering your yard all season, but you can decide what to do about them once they start coming down!
Close down summer amenities
Do you have a pool, patio, or outdoor furniture? Sadly, it’s time to close all that down to prepare your home for fall. Most of the time, late September is the last time people can get away with using their pools and outdoor furniture before it’s too cold. This means it’s time to start thinking about where to store your furniture and whether you want to call a company to come close your pool for you. Don’t worry, it will all still be there once the warm weather comes back!
Testing, testing
This is a great time to do some tests on your home for fall. Since it’s recommended you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors yearly, a lot of people choose to do this in the fall when there’s a lot of cleaning and organizing going on anyway. If you run humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers, it’s also a good time to give those a clean and make sure they’re working properly. Finally, you should also double check that your water heater is working properly. Although you’ve likely been using it year-round, fall and winter are the last times you want it to stop working on you. You might as well make sure everything is in working order so you don’t have to worry about it later!
Preparing your home for fall is a bit of a task, but it’s worth it so you’re able to enjoy the season with minimal issues. As the weather gets colder, it’s best to be prepared. With these tips, you can enjoy the autumn season to the fullest!
If you have any questions about your home or mortgage, get in touch with me!