As the days get shorter this fall, make the most of the season by dedicating a few hours to some much-needed DIY home maintenance. Your home is likely your largest investment, so it is important that you do everything that you can to protect it from potential damage with the change in weather.
Not only that, many of these simple tasks can actually help you cut down on heating system costs. Ready to make up your fall checklist? We’ve made it easy for you by compiling some helpful suggestions.
Time for Professional Services
It is an ideal time to schedule your appointment for your annual furnace tune-up. This is a great investment. Regular maintenance will actually extend the lifespan of your system.
During the appointment, the technician will clean and inspect all of the parts, which mean that you can identify any lurking problems before they cause your system to break down. Your furnace will be more energy efficient after a tune-up as well.
If you have a humidifier, get it serviced this season as well. Having the proper level of moisture in your home is essential for your health, as well as for preserving your wood floors and furniture. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney sweep come and do a cleaning. Too much soot build up can actually be a fire hazard.
Indoor Tasks for your List
Test your smoke and CO2 detectors to make sure that they are in working order. Make sure that you’ve got a working fire extinguisher on every floor in your home. Double check the expiry dates!
Drain your hot water tank to get rid of sediment, which can cause it to rust out. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. This energy-saving trick will send rising warm air back down into your homes, giving your furnace a break.
This energy-saving trick will send rising warm air back down into your homes, giving your furnace a break. Head up to the attic and make sure that the insulation is in place. You need it flush against the roof to prevent the hot air from rising up and out of your home. If it has moved, push it back in place with a broom.
You need it flush against the roof to prevent the hot air from rising up and out of your home. If it has moved, push it back in place with a broom.
Outdoor Tasks for Your List
Power wash your patio furniture and store away. Check your walkways and foundation for cracks. Seal them up, as rodents and pests love to make those tight spots their homes during the winter.
Reseal your driveway. Clean the gutters of debris and make sure that the roof is in good repair. Touch up any peeling paint on your home’s exertion.
Change the outdoor light bulbs. If you see a gap between your doors and the doorstep, level it out with weather-stripping, check windows for cracks. Replace panes as needed.
If seals are loose around windows and doors, re-caulk to make them airtight. Rake leaves. Empty the lawn mower and store away for the season.