With warmer weather having come to an end, it's important to start thinking about preparing your home for the autumn season. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and falling leaves. To ensure that your home is ready for the change in season, here are our top 10 tips on how to prepare your home.
1. Clean Gutters and downspouts
Autumn is often associated with falling leaves and heavy rain, which means your gutters and downspouts will likely fill up with debris quickly. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is important to ensure proper drainage and to prevent water damage to your home.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Sealing windows and doors is important to prevent cold air from entering your home and to keep warm air inside. This can also help reduce your energy bills during the colder months. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps around windows and doors.
3. Inspect Your Heating System
Before the colder weather sets in, it's important to inspect your heating system to ensure that it's in good working condition. Schedule a maintenance check with a professional to inspect your furnace or heating system, and replace the air filter if necessary.
4. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture, it's important to clean it and store it away for the winter. Clean the furniture with a mild detergent and water, and let it dry completely before storing it in a dry, covered area.
5. Check Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it's important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned before the first use of the season. Creosote build-up can be a fire hazard and can also impact the performance of your chimney.
6. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Autumn is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary, and test the detectors to ensure they're working properly.
7. Protect Your Floors
Autumn is a time when dirt, leaves, and moisture can easily be tracked into your home. Protect your floors by using doormats inside and outside.
8. Prep Your Lawn and Garden
Autumn is a great time to prepare your lawn and garden for the colder months. Clean up fallen leaves and debris, and trim back any bushes or trees that need it. Consider planting bulbs for spring flowers, and protect delicate plants with frost covers.
9. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Stock up on winter supplies, such as salt or sand for your driveway and walkways, and ensure that you have a shovel or snowblower ready for when the first snowfall arrives.
10. Adjust Your Lighting
As the days get shorter, it's important to adjust your lighting to ensure that your home is well-lit and safe. If you have timers governing towel rails or outdoor lighting, check to see if the on and off increments are still suitable.