Fall is a favorite season for many. The trouble is, with all of the fun festivities taking place, homeowners forget to get their homes prepared for the colder, winter weather ahead – resulting in expensive repairs. To prevent any issues within your home as the temperatures begin to drop, take the time to attend to these five areas at home before it gets too cold.
1.) Colder weather means freezing pipes, extensive damage, and hefty repairs.
When temperatures drop, water within your pipes can freeze, causing your pipes to crack and burst. Trust us when we say, the repairs aren’t cheap, and the insurance claims, well – they can be quite the challenge. Experts recommend taking the time to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses, as well as inground sprinkler pipes. You should also identify lines within your home that may be prone to freezing and use pipe insulation to keep them warm.
2.) Address your HVAC system, as well as any air leaks near windows and doors.
Identify areas within your home where cold air may be entering and warm air escaping to help ensure your heating system is not struggling to work throughout the winter. Weatherstripping doors and windows is an excellent and cost-effective way to remediate any gaps, minimizing the strain on your system (along with the cost of repairs).
3.) While gutters may be a pain to clean, it is necessary to tend to them each Fall and Spring.
Failure to do so could result in hefty damage since gutters can overflow. Once they do, water will seep into your home, or drains will collapse. Some people choose to use hose-end attachments, while others prefer to use a ladder. Either way, it is recommended that you begin near a downspout, removing large debris and then flushing alternatively by using your hose.
4.) Take the time to properly store your summer furniture and any outdoor supplies.
This is especially important if you live in an area with more extreme winter weather. If storage space is an issue, consider renting a self-storage unit nearby. With prices designed to fit any budget, you can easily rent one for patio furniture, seasonal decor, sports equipment, and more – maximizing the space within your home the whole year through.
5.) Have your chimney swept each year before using. Failure to do so can result in a fire.
According to the EPA, “…heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage. The leading factor contributing to home heating fires was a failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys… [causing over] 4,000 residential fires every year.”
If you take some time this fall to address your plumbing, heating, chimney, gutters, and storage needs, you will be ready for all that the colder season has to bring.
We wish you a Happy Autumn!
Get Your Home Winter-Ready This Fall With 5 Simple Tips
