With the arrival of fall, it’s a good idea to get started on those things that need doing around your home before the much cooler (not to mention wetter) months of winter are upon us.
Here is a list to get you started.
- Check and install weather-strip. Homeowners who have poor or insufficient weather stripping waste hundreds of dollars on heating bills when $50 will weather strip most homes.
- Check attic insulation. Many homes have insufficient insulation, another source of heat loss. Average homes should have between R-28 (8 inches) to R-40 (12 Inches) of insulation in the attic, more in colder climates.
- Caulk any gaps on the exterior of your home and also around windows and doors.
- Get your mind in the gutters. Your roof’s drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls. That’s why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned.
- Change your furnace filter at least 3 times each year. During the winter, when your furnace is working overtime, a clean filter goes a long way toward better effectiveness. Furnace ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years.
- Check roof shingles, flashings and chimney bricks for leaks.
- Clean your fireplace chimney. Those fires from last winter have left a lot of creosote behind. Clean it out before you start to fire up the fireplace.
- Check your household smoke alarm and add fresh batteries.
- Empty gas from your lawnmower, or put in gas additive for easier start-up.
- Have salt, snow shovels and windshield scrapers on hand.