Summer is winding down and the days are growing shorter. Before it gets too cold, take the time to handle some basic maintenance tasks around the house. Here are a few things you should do to prepare your home for fall.
Clean Out the Guttering to Prepare Your Home for Fall
Keeping the gutters clean is an important part of maintenance for any home. The gutters funnel water off the roof and away from your house. Spend an afternoon removing the leaves, twigs, and other debris that clog your gutters. Make sure the guttering system is intact and rust-free so it’s ready for winter.
Change Air Filters
As a homeowner, you should be changing the filters in your HVAC system regularly. While your heating and cooling system circulates air throughout your home, the filters trap dust, mold, pet dander, and other airborne irritants.
To prepare for fall, change the filters in any purification devices in your home. When cold weather arrives, you won’t be opening the windows for fresh air as often. New filters for air purification systems will help you and your family breathe easy through the cooler months.
Prepare Your Home for Fall by Cleaning the Windows
Shorter days mean less daylight. Take full advantage of the sunlight in colder weather. Clean your home’s windows to allow plenty of natural light inside of your home.
Repair Driveway Cracks
You may be inclined to ignore those small driveway cracks and plan to repair them later. However, with colder weather approaching, it’s important to go ahead and take care of the driveway.
When water gets into the crack and freezes, the crack will expand. With a repeating pattern of freezing and expanding you could end up with a crumbling driveway. Purchase a repair product at your local home improvement store so you can fix any cracks before winter.
Seal Doors and Windows
Check the seals around doors and windows and replace weather stripping if necessary. You can test for airflow by moving a lit candle around the frame. The candle flame will flicker in an air current. Use caulk to fill any holes or gaps. Your heating system will function more efficiently when warm air isn’t escaping your home.
Vital Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in Southeastern Wisconsin. Contact us to request our services.