Fall Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners
With the summer heat fading and the chilly air wafting around us, fall has undoubtedly arrived. Consequently, the arrival of fall also brings winter preparations. Since the cold winter season implies shorter days and snow, outdoor work can be challenging. Take some time now to ensure that your home is ready to welcome the winter season.
One of the most vital tasks you need to do this fall is to examine your heating system. Also, you should trim all the trees surrounding your home. Overall, there are many chores you need to perform. To make sure you get everything taken care of, you should have a comprehensive fall maintenance checklist ready.
As mentioned above, it is essential to maintain your heating system before winter. Lawes Company offers trusted and experienced HVAC services. Our expert furnace maintenance service can help prepare your heating system for winter so that it is working reliably, optimally and efficiently. All of our services are fast, friendly, and affordable. Schedule an appointment with us today.
In this article, we will discuss ten chores you should perform during the fall season. These chores will prepare your home for the arrival of the cold season.
Clean Gutters And Downspouts
Fall is the time of year when trees shed their leaves. Unfortunately, these leaves, twigs, and gunk wind up into your the gutter and downspouts. During a rainstorm, these clogs will cause water to pool.
When the temperature drops, this pool of water will freeze and create ice dams. Therefore, you need to remove the buildup of leaves and twigs. It is a good idea to wait until most of the leaves have fallen off the trees before you start cleaning the debris from your gutters and downspouts. Otherwise, you’ll end up cleaning them repeatedly.
Inspect House Exterior
Examine the exterior of your house. This way, you can check for any damages present. Ensure that there are no signs of damages on your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. If you spot any problems, make sure to get them repaired right away. Do not wait for the cold winter season before you call for repairs.
Cover Exterior Faucets
As you walk around the outside of your home, remember to cover all of the exterior faucets with hose bibb covers. This task ensures that your plumbing pipes remain intact and undamaged. Also, remove all garden hoses and store them neatly inside a shed or garage. Be sure to perform these tasks during the early fall. After all, you never really know when the cold temperatures will come. Getting them done early assures you that your outdoor taps and pipes are ready for the first freeze of the season.
Seal Cracks And Gaps
When you are inspecting your home, be sure to keep an eye out for cracks and gaps, especially around your doors and windows. Also, check any locations near pipes and wires that attach to your house’s interior. Heated air can leak from these holes. When air leaks through these holes, regardless of how small, it wastes energy. In turn, your furnace works to compensate for these air leaks, causing your energy bills to increase.
Aside from heated air bleeding out, critters can also sneak into your home through these small holes. Mice, rats, and insects can damage your property and harm your family. To ensure that all these issues do not happen, you need to seal all the gaps and cracks properly.
Prune Plants
The best time to trim the plants and trees on your property is during late fall. If there are any trees close to your house, make sure that the branches are three feet away from your home, so moisture doesn’t drip onto your roof and siding. Pruning can also avoid damage when a storm hits.
Check Your Walkway And Driveway
Walking on your walkway and driveway can be difficult when ice and snow are covering it. Before snow falls, check your home’s sidewalk and driveway. Make sure that there are no holes or huge cracks. Also, if you have exterior stairs, ensure that the steps and the railings are in good condition.
Check Your Fireplace
Another place you need to check is the fireplace. This way, when the cold winter arrives, you can use your fireplace safely. Shine a flashlight inside the fireplace flue and then test the dampers. You should be able to open and close the dampers correctly. You should also be able to see light streaming down your chimney. If not, then chances are there is an obstruction. There could be a buildup of leaves or a bird’s nest in it. You need to clean the debris out. Also, you can purchase a chimney cap to prevent any air drafts from your chimney.
Stock Winter Supplies
The arrival of winter means snow. Snow covered roads are challenging to drive. Similarly, snow-covered sidewalks are challenging to walk.
Prepare supplies before the cold winter hits. For instance, if you own a snow blower, get it tuned-up and filled with fuel. It would help if you also inspected your snow shovels and ice scrapers and replace them if necessary. Make sure that you have jumper cables in your car. Have a bag of ice melt on hand. Remember to restock all emergency kits and that you have one in your home and another in your car.
Remove Window ACs
Remove window air conditioning units before the winter arrives. Store them neatly. If you do not remove the window A/C, use the insulating wrap to cover the exterior AC unit. When you cover it, you will prevent cold air from entering your home.
Schedule Heating System Maintenance
To ensure that you are fully prepared for the approaching winter months, get your heating system cleaned and maintained. This job is best left in the capable hands of a professional technician.
Routine maintenance ensures that your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Professional HVAC technicians have a furnace maintenance checklist, ensuring that every component of your heater is functioning optimally. This way, your system is highly-efficient and cost-effective. Also, a furnace that is working correctly will enhance your comfort levels even when it is bitter cold out. Also, with annual furnace maintenance, you do not have to worry about your system breaking down. Your system is ready to provide you with heat all throughout the cold season. Overall, the furnace maintenance cost is worth the investment.
Conclusion
Although it may sound tempting, DIY furnace maintenance is not a good idea. It is best to call a professional HVAC technician to assist you with your oil, propane, or natural gas furnace maintenance.
When looking for “furnace maintenance near me,” contact Lawes Company. Our NATE certified HVAC technicians will service your heating system so that it operates efficiently. This way, your home’s heating costs are reduced. It also ensures that your home stays warm and comfortable all throughout the cold season.
We also offer other home comfort services such as HVAC repairs, installations, replacements, and more. Be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. Our friendly and courteous staff will be glad to answer all your questions and concerns. Call us today.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!