Top 6 Things You Should Do to Your Home Before Fall Starts

Whether you welcome it or not, autumn is almost here. The days are getting shorter and the air is becoming crisper, so it’s time to bring the patio furniture inside for the year and make the home ready for the next six months.

Here are some things you can do right now to make your house cozier this coming autumn season. If you are not confident in doing any of these jobs on your own, contact a professional home services company to avoid injury and unnecessary damage to your property.

Shut Off and Drain All Outside Water Fixtures

It is possible for freezing to occur in the outside faucets you use in the summer to do things like washing your vehicle, watering your garden and rinsing off the kids. Pipes and faucets may freeze and break, which can be a costly issue if necessary precautions are not taken to cut off the water supply and empty the lines before winter.

There should be an internal shut-off valve for all outside faucets. These valves can be found around the point where the pipe leading to the faucet branches off from the main water supply in the basement, or they can be positioned farther back into the house.

If you don’t know where the shut-off valves are or you can’t find them, you should call a local plumbing service. Not just for the sake of convenience, but also for the sake of cost.

Seal the Cracks Around Your Home’s Windows, Doors, and Other Access Points

By sealing the gaps around your windows and doors, you can keep the cool air outside and the warm air inside. Doing a perimeter check to determine if any caulking has worn away is a good idea even if you have done this in the spring. A tight seal around these points of entry will not only improve your home’s comfort but will also save energy use and costs.

The areas surrounding your home’s outside vents (such as the dryer and bathroom exhaust fan), wires, and pipes should be caulked as well.

Replace or Inspect the Weather Stripping

Eventually, your weather stripping will lose its efficacy and will need to be replaced. Replace weather stripping that is damaged or worn around all of your home’s exterior doors and windows, including the garage door.

If you can feel air escaping through closed doors and windows despite what the stripping looks like, you may not have it placed correctly or be using the wrong stripping.

Weatherstripping should also be installed on any entrances to the attic (and rigid insulation attached to the back). To further prevent cold air from seeping in, it is recommended to install insulating gaskets on electrical outlets and wall switches situated on outside walls.

Have Your Chimney and Roof Inspected

You’ll be very thankful if you find a roofing problem now instead of in the middle of a November downpour. Asphalt shingles have a 15-20 year lifespan if they are installed correctly. The decay rate increases when exposed to elements like pests and extreme weather, or when you live in a densely forested environment.

Check for mildew or rot on the outside, as well as indicators of missing, damaged, or deteriorated shingles. Make sure your eavestroughs and flashing are firmly fastened and inspect them for grains from the shingles, an indication of significant wear.

Put the Air Conditioner to Sleep

In order to protect the unit and aid in sealing in warmer indoor air, it is recommended that air conditioning window units be removed and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before the onset of winter.

Home air conditioners should be turned off at the main breaker panel. The air conditioner’s safety shut-off switch, if one is installed, should be disabled as well.

The topic of whether or not to cover an air conditioner during the winter has been the subject of debate many a time. A cover that completely encloses the appliance might cause problems with condensation and pest infestation. To prevent dust and leaves from entering the top of the unit while still allowing air circulation, a short cover is recommended.

Keep Your Pathways in Good Condition

The paths leading to and from your home also need some upkeep in autumn. You may prevent further driveway deterioration by giving the pathways a thorough pressure washing. After you power wash your driveway, apply a new seal coat to protect the concrete from the weather. Sealcoat will stop water from entering the gaps and freezing throughout the winter, preventing the fissures in the cement from widening.

Final Words

The effort spent on seasonal house upkeep is well worth it. Your house will be safe, and you’ll save money on heating costs. But more significantly, you won’t have to worry about the complications that cold weather might cause. Get your house in order before the unpredictable weather hits.