For homeowners, the colder months come with their own set of risks. From clogged gutters to an unexpected furnace repair, being ill-prepared for the fall and winter seasons can wreak havoc on your bank account (and your peace of mind).
Protect your home against any cold weather headaches with tips to prepare your home for fall.
Clean your Gutters and Downspouts.
Autumn leaves can clog your gutters (especially if you haven’t tended to them all summer), and rainy weather can make it difficult to clean them out on a regular basis. Because of this, it’s important to regularly clean your gutters and downspouts.
If you feel comfortable getting up on a ladder, take some time to clean your gutters.
Simply climb up there, scoop out any debris, put it in a bag, throw it away. This easy task can save you from a big headache later down the road. When debris is left to build up in your gutters, you run the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Another option to try are gutter guards. These small devices act as a shield between your gutters and the elements. Simply clip them to your gutter and you’re saved from the task of cleaning.
If You Can do it Safely, Check the Roof for Any Loose or Missing Shingles
While you’re up on the roof, don’t forget to check for any loose or missing shingles. Loose or broken shingles could lead to a leak during any winter storms.
It’s important to check the tiles because the summer sun in San Diego can be so intense that roof tiles can crack or even break.
Prune Landscaping and Clear Any Leaves.
Before rain starts to hit and any sort of cold begins to set in, make some time to tend to your yard. Trees are starting to shed their summer leaves and it’s time to get them all scooped up and out of the yard.
Be sure to also cut back any foliage that could get too close to your condenser or windows. Pruning also ensures that any plant diseases are unable to spread. You also get the added satisfaction of a total yard makeover before the cooler months.
To get the whole family involved in a fun fall activity, gather a pile of leaves for a fresh leap, and then request everybody’s help in cleaning up following the fun.
Check Windows for Drafts and Weather Strips if Necessary
To save on your utility bills during the colder season, check your windows and doors for drafts. Gaps and openings in doors and windows can account for almost 30% of heat loss during the winter.
One way to check for drafts is by waiting for a windy day and closing a door or window on a strip of paper. See if the paper inside the home flaps with the wind. Use this as a way to determine your weather stripping needs.
Re-organize Shed and/or Storage Space for the Season
Now that we’re back to school and getting ready for fall and winter holidays, it’s now time to work with your storage options.
When you’re breaking everything down at the end of summer, don’t just shove it in the shed and be done with it. Move out all your winter and holiday items, then store your summer stuff.
Move any winter items to the front of the storage system. Though this may take awhile now, it will save you lots of time and frustration in the long run.
Program Your Thermostat for Fall
New season means news thermostat settings! We talked about the ideal thermostat setting for summer, now it’s time to find your perfect fall setting.
At ASI, we recommend a baseline temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This saves money and energy while keeping your home’s temperature comfortable for you and your family.
Best practices include resetting the thermostat before sleeping and when the house is vacant. And, be sure to layer up and stay active around the house during the slightly cooler seasons of winter and fall.
Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filter
One of the best things you can do for your home and HVAC system is to regularly check the air filter. A clogged filter will cause energy bills to skyrocket. When an air filter is too full, it forces your system to produce a lot more air to get your home to the same temperature.
To be completely sure no issues are hiding in plain sight, consult an experienced HVAC technician regarding your home’s heating system, and inquire whether furnace maintenance, replacement, or repair is needed to prepare your home for the fall.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Last, but most definitely, not least is to schedule a furnace tune-up. Servicing your furnace ensure it continues to run efficiently and protects your indoor air quality.
By not overlooking this key step, you will be saving money on heating and air conditioning now and in the future and lengthen the lifespan of your furnace.
Looking for the best furnace tune-up in San Diego? Look no further than the White Glove Guys, schedule an appointment to see why we’ve earned all our good reviews.
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