5 Must-Do’s for Fall Home Maintenance
Oct 05, 2022Say Goodbye to Summer, and Hello to Fall
Is it us, or did summer sprout wings and seriously fly by? In the last few weeks, you were probably busy doing everything but preparing your home for the impending seasons. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – we too went to the pool instead. But now it’s time to tackle some fall home maintenance before the leaves and snow start falling with the temperature. Below are 5 must-dos for fall home maintenance, plus a life-changing way to use your slow cooker.
Must-do #1
Seal out drafts for better comfort
Were your cooling bills outrageous this summer? Chances are, your heating bills will be too. Your home may be suffering from cracks, gaps, or holes that let unwanted air in, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder year round. In addition to air infiltration, air is also escaping out those same locations. That means all of that air you spend so much money on heating is, well, out the window.
If you’re not sure where your air leaks are, call Improveit for a free in-home energy assessment. One of our trained team members will identify these weak spots and provide recommendations to remedy the issues.
Must-do #2
See how your furnace has been holding up
It’s been a while since your heating system was up and running and it’s time for an annual checkup. An annual furnace service is relatively inexpensive and if there is a problem, you have time to come up with a solution before the season’s truly cold temperatures set in.
Must-do #3
Check your house from the top down
Two things you don’t want to fail this fall are your roof and your gutters. The weight that snow and ice put on a roof during winter months is not for the weak or flimsy. Making sure yours can withstand the elements now will save you a lot more money than finding out later. For gutters, if you don’t have a protection system that keeps beautiful leaves out, problematic clogs are inevitable.
Ignoring gutter debris build-up can cause foundation problems, by letting water run down the sides of your house and pool at the foundation instead of directing it away from the house. Dry gutter debris can ignite from stray fire pit or chimney ashes this time of year, creating a dangerous fire hazard. And when snow and freezing temps arrive, clogged gutters can create ice dams that damage both the gutters and the roof.
Must-do #4
Inspect your chimney: a fall cleaning necessity
We don’t recommend you check your chimney. This is work for the professionals who will come out and inspect the inside and outside as well as clean it out. We suggest calling a pro sooner rather than later (while the weather is still on our side). Using your fireplace without the security of a clean chimney is another fire hazard you want to avoid this season.
Must-do #5
Treat yourself to a little extra light
This may not sound like a “must do” for fall home maintenance, but you’d be surprised how a little light can go a long day. The sun’s low angle during fall and winter, paired with the short amount of time it’s actually visable, bringing some extra light in with a snazzy new lamp can help brighten your day. Less daylight this time of year can actually effect your mental health, add one more lighting fixture.
Really want to treat yourself? Buy a new throw or cozy pair of socks and curl up with a good book!
your fall maintenance reward:
Homemade Applesauce!
With your fall home maintenance checklist complete, you’ve earned a reward! Break out your slow cooker for a seasonal treat: Apple-Cinnamon Potpourri that becomes a tasty applesauce!
Ingredients:
- 8 Apples peeled, cored & roughly chopped
- 1 Tablespoon of cinnamon
- 4 Cups of water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons of sugar
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or until apples are softened.
- Enjoy all the cozy fall scents while the apples and cinnamon simmer!
- After softened, mash the apples with a fork, potato masher or immersion blender to your desired consistancy.
- Serve and enjoy!
