You may be ready for fall, but is your house fully prepared, too? As the season
begins to transition, you should develop a few traditions that will prep your
home for cooler days. Remember to check these 5 crucial actions off your
checklist as you ready your homestead for the fall.
1. Check Gutters for Leaves
While your gutters may be clear during summer, they’re likely to experience build-up from leaves and dirt during the fall. Throw on your overalls and a sturdy pair of shoes — because now is the perfect time to check and clean your gutters to ensure your house is clear.
Before you de-gunk your gutters, put the proper safety measures in place first. Wear thick gloves to scoop out materials and make sure your ladder is safely positioned against your roof. If you have any issues accessing your gutters alone, consider hiring a professional to help.
2. Seal Up Cracks and Openings in Your Home
Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of the energy used in the average U.S. home?
If you have a large homestead, this can equate to thousands of dollars spent on
heating during the fall season alone.
To reduce your energy costs and usage, give your home a glance over and note
any openings that could be causing air to escape. Do you have any cracks in
your walls? Or, do certain rooms in your house have large slits underneath the
doors? Seal up openings with caulk, door bottoms and other materials when
necessary.
3. Clean Out Your Vents
During the summer, you may have used your iron radiator as a clothing rack,
temporary storage space or a nestling spot for your coffee mugs. But now that
fall is around the corner, it’s important to ensure this system is ready to
warm your home.
Due to their design, old-style radiators can easily build up dirt and grime.
Try using a small sewing needle or wire to clean air holes located at the top
of steam radiator vents. Keep a regular cleaning schedule in place to prevent
dust from building up — an unwanted effect that can pollute your quality of
air.
4. Give Your Lawn Some Added TLC
When summer draws to a close, you may be tempted to tuck your garden tools away in a shed for the remainder of the year. But, just because your beautiful flowers will no longer be in bloom doesn’t mean you should neglect your yard entirely, either.
Caring for your trees, greenery, and yard as a whole is a necessary fall tradition. Practice fall lawn care by trimming your trees to avoid any damage that may occur from broken branches in the winter. Remove leaves so that your soil can breathe and allow your grass to grow, too.
5. Ensure Fall Furnace Maintenance
You should check your furnace each year — and fall is the perfect time for this
tradition! Since it costs an average of $162 to $265 to
repair this system, it’s wise to take cautionary measures that ensure
your furnace is clean and ready for use.
To check your furnace, be sure to turn it off first. Once you flip off the
switch, clean debris and dirt that may have built up in the chamber. When
necessary, change or replace broken or dirty oil and air filters. After you’ve
finished up your cleaning, adjust the burner and give it a test run — your
future self may just thank you!
Do you have any traditions that are a necessary part of your homestead’s fall
routine? If not, now’s the perfect time to prepare both your family and your
surroundings for the chillier season that lies ahead.
1 Comment
I love the helpfulness and reliability of this sight. How do I find someone reliable in my area to clear my gutters?