Autumn is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter and the temperature is getting a bit cooler.
Before the autumn season starts, it would be best to prepare your home for cold weather. Now is the best time to do so.
A couple of months ago, we published an article providing an important checklist on home maintenance during summer. We figured it would be a great idea to also write an article on the most important autumn home maintenance tasks.
Here are some important maintenance tasks for you to consider to prepare for autumn.
- Fertilize your garden. Before it starts getting cold, give your garden some nourishment.
- Seal any air leaks. Sealing your home’s windows and doors would make a huge difference in keeping the chilly air out. You may roll a self-adhesive weatherstripping down the side of your windows and door or even install a door sweep to prevent drafts from coming into your home.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts. Regular cleaning of gutters and downspouts prevents clogs, which can cause a roof to leak or water to get into your house.
- Check your roof. Your roof should be inspected, either by you or by a professional, at least every three to four years. Doing so may uncover sins of possible problems. Having regular roof inspection will give you a chance to repair what is needed before it gets chilly.
- Ready your chimney. Since the cold season will soon begin, it would be advisable to hire a professional to check on the flue, firebox, and damper.
- Keep firewood dry. Firewood should be stacked under a cover until you are ready to burn it. Take note that insects and rodents like to make themselves at home near woodpiles, so it would be best to keep your firewood at least 10 meters away.
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be tested once a month and the batteries should be changed at least once a year. If your smoke detector is more than 10 years old, then it would be best to have it replaced.
- Adjust your thermostat. Since it will be getting colder soon, adjust your thermostat to help you save energy and money. Set your thermostat to a cooler temperature when you’re out of the house or sleeping, and to a warmer one when home and awake.
- Check the HVAC. Hire a professional to service your furnace and ductwork. Make sure that ducts and vents are unobstructed and in good working condition.
- Clean the dryer vent. Clothes dryers cause more than 3,000 fires every year. Make sure that lint is removed from your dryer vent. Inspect it well because a blocked vent makes your dryer work too hard to dry clothes.
- Flush the hot water out of the water heater. Flushing the hot water out of the water heater will help remove the sediments that have accumulated over time, thereby preventing your appliances from getting destroyed.
- Turn off exterior faucets. When the climate is colder, water left in exterior pipes can freeze and then cause the pipes to burst. Before autumn comes and makes the weather colder, drain and disconnect garden hoses. Although usually found inside the house, if your faucet’s shutoff valve is outside, you should also turn it off. You may also use insulated faucet covers.
- Flip your mattress. Flipping your mattress helps prevent sagging or permanent body impressions. It is recommended that a mattress be rotated from head to foot every six to twelve months.
Autumn may still be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and some outdoor activities. This is why it’s also a good time to get your home ready for the coming cold season. Making sure that your home is ready for the coming cold months will give you peace of mind that your home will be able to provide a secure shelter for you and your family.
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***FUN FACT ***
Brooklyn has 30 miles of shoreline. Visitors to the city are often surprised to find there are actually nice beaches in and around the borough.
