It’s hard to believe, but fall is right around the corner and the weather will be changing here before long. With that change, your home needs to be ready. Below is a quick reference guide for some of the things that may need to be attended to before the weather turns:
- Change or clean your HVAC filter(s)
- Clean filters help take house dust and other particulates out of the air.
- Service your Central Humidifier/Dehumidifier and make sure the setting is correct
- Remember that AC takes moisture out of the air, while your heat setting will introduce humidity into the air.
- Check/repair all windows and screens
- For folks that open windows in the Fall, it is important that windows work properly and that screens fit properly and are not torn.
- Clean your gutters AND downspouts
- This will help prevent ice dams when the snow comes and will help ensure that the Fall rains will be directed away from the house structure.
- Remember to turn off all hose bibs when the time comes
- This will help ensure that no pipes freeze once the temps drop.
- Check for, and seal, any large cracks in walkways and/or driveways
- This will help prevent water from getting in and freezing causing more damage.
- Inspect the ground around your foundation
- The grade should run away from the foundation so that ground water does not accumulate and cause leaks or damage.
- If a sump pump exists, it should be inspected and tested
- The sump should always be in working order.
- Check/inspect all trees that are close to the house
- Overhanging limbs can freeze and break. These should be trimmed back off the house.
- Check/inspect all penetrations where pipes, vents, wires etc go in or out of the house
- These should all be properly sealed to prevent water or critters from entering.
Have a safe and happy fall!
