Simple Fall Preparation Tips

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe and happy this fall!

15 Simple Fall Preparation Tips

The cooler mornings and nights mixed with warmer days makes for wonderful color changes in New England. While you are out leaf peeping, enjoy cider donuts, and picking pumpkins your home will also need some attention to ensure its ready for the cold on the horizon. The weather can change quickly, and a bit of preparation now could save you from aggregation and costly repairs later.

Below are 15 items for you to consider when preparing your home for fall.

1. Reprogram the thermostat
   Keep the house warm when people are active, but don’t be afraid to lower the temperature when the family is sleeping or at work/school for the day.
2. Remove air conditioner(s)
   If you do not have the luxury of central air conditioning, be sure to remove any window units you placed in the windows over the hot summer. This will eliminate the cooler air from entering your home causing your heating source to work harder.
3. Close the pool
   If you have a pool and close it when the temperature drops, schedule a service or if you are handy, buy the supplies and do it yourself.
4. Clean your furnace and replace the filters
   Check your furnace for soot, and pilot light health. This is also a great time to switch out your filters; clean air is important when the house is closed for winter.
5. Inspect your fireplace and have it cleaned
   If you have a fireplace and plan on using it as the weather turns colder, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
6. Insulate your pipes for the winter
   As temperatures drop below freezing, standing water in your pipes can start to freeze. By adding foam covers you can help insulate and protect your pipes.
7. Clean and prepare your outdoor furniture
   Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture in a safe place. Cover with a tarp to protect it from snow, ice, and cold. If you have removable cushions, consider storing them indoors to help them last longer.
8. Check your water heater
   Your water heater has a lot of work to doin fall and winter. If you haven’t inspected your water heater lately, it may be time to clean it out or have it serviced. Overtime, it can get loaded with sediment, or other problems may arise that reduce its efficiency.
9. Prepare your entryway for mud and snow
   Having a place to store wet jackets and boots is a way to ensure it won’t make it into the house, causing more cleanup work for you.
10. Inspect your rook for leaks
    There is nothing worse for a homeowner than a leaking roof. To help keep small issues from turning into bigger disasters, inspect your roof using binoculars, to check for damaged or missing shingles. Also make sure your gutters are flowing freely of sticks and leaves.
11. Check your walkways and foundation
    Damaged walkways, driveways, and steps are a hazard year-round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns cold and icy. Fixing problems in the fall is also critical to preventing bigger. More expensive headaches come springtime.
12. Check windows and doors for drafts
    Remove screens and replace with storm windows/doors if you use them. Check seals around all doors and windows and caulk/insulate if necessary.
13. Organize the shed
    Move summer items to the back and winter stuff up front for better access. Doing this early will be helpful if snow or ice show up sooner than expected.
14. Leaf removal
    Rake and remove leaves from the yard in the fall to help save you a step in the spring. Check with your local city or town for requirements and pick up schedules.
15. Turn off outdoor faucets and store hoses
    Disconnect and drain any outside hoses you have used over the spring/summer to water gardens and lawns. Shut off exterior faucets to help prevent frozen pipes if a deep freeze were to occur in your area.

We at SERVPRO^® of Lawrence hope you find these tips helpful.