Shorter days, cooler nights, and warm colors all signal the arrival of fall! Now’s the perfect time to finish up any last-minute maintenance projects and get your home and yard ready for the autumn season.
Furnace
As warm summer weather starts to give way to fall temperatures, your HVAC system will require a checkup. Experts recommend scheduling a routine HVAC inspection at least twice a year in the fall and spring. The technician will inspect refrigerant levels, tighten loose connections, drain condensation, and perform any necessary cleaning. Switching from summer to fall mode on your thermostat is also an important time to change your filters. Dirty filters obstruct airflow, which prevents your system from performing efficiently, so make sure you change your air filters at least every three months.
Fireplace
If you employ the use of a fireplace in your home, now is the perfect time to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) advises that fireplaces should be cleaned when 1/8″ of sooty buildup is evident inside the chimney and flue system. You will also want to clean out the fireplace, inspect the flue, and ensure the doors and shields are sound.
Windows & Doors
You will want to do a proper inspection of your windows and doors to ensure that you will keep the warm air inside your house. When checking your home’s windows and doors for air leaks, start by looking for areas where the old caulking has deteriorated. Also, inspect the threshold under each door, looking for daylight or other obvious signs of an opening that needs to be sealed. Make sure the weather stripping around the windows and doors is in good condition, taking note of any damaged stripping that needs replacing.
Gutters
Fall foliage will soon be clogging your gutters which can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior or exterior of your home. Devoting a few hours towards cleaning your gutters can go a long way to prevent big problems, and you can also do a quick visual inspection of your roof for any damage that needs your attention.
Outdoor Plumbing
The time for watering your flower gardens and grass will soon be at an end, which means retiring your hose until next year. Go ahead and drain all outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, and hoses and cover them to protect them from freezing.
Becoming a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility, but also a lot of rewards. If you are looking to buy a home soon, make calling ALCOVA your first move!
