Cool Weather Prep
It may not feel like it just yet, but Fall is right around the corner. Football season has already started. Leaves are falling at a rapid rate. And pumpkin spice is everywhere you look. Side note: have you tried the new pumpkin spice cold brew at Starbucks? It’s delicious.
There’s something about Fall, and the change in season that brings along a sense of excitement and renewing that we just love. Not to mention, a beauty that comes along with the leaves changing colors and the crispness of cooler weather. Fall to us means comfy clothes, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations that are good for the soul.
But before we all know it, there will be a bite in the air, so don’t let Winter creep up on you like it has with us in so many years past! Spring isn’t the only time to prepare your home for a new season. Fall is just as important, so we’ve compiled an easy and cost effective list of ways to prepare your home for colder weather.
1. Clean Gutters
No one ever said it was fun, but they don’t call it Fall for nothing. Cleaning out the gutters is most likely the last thing on your to-do list. But it needs to be done. Weather you have trees surrounding your house or not, it’s important to make sure your gutters are free and clear of any debris. Leaves, mud, branches, and the like can all contribute to the clogging of your drains. This can lead to bigger, and more expensive problems like leaks in your roof and walls. Make sure to minimize your risk of water damage! It’ll be less of a headache long term. We promise!
2. Get a Chimney Sweep
If you have a regular wood burning fireplace, it’s important to have your chimney swept annually. If you use it only a few times a year, every other year is okay. But chimney fires happen regularly, so we suggest to always lean on the side of safety. You never know what’s hiding up there including soot, animal nests, and even water damage that can cause serious issues with your chimney if left unnoticed. If you have gas logs, you should be in the clear for a while! But it’s still important to keep your chimney is the best shape possible. Having it cleaned out every 3-5 years can only help in the maintenance of your home.
3. Weatherstrip Your Home
If you live in Georgia, you know we got an abnormal amount of rain last Winter. It’s important to protect your home from water damage that can occur during torrential down pours like we experienced in 2018. Weather stripping is an easy and affordable way to protect your home from water, as well as colder temperatures, helping lower heating and cooling bills as well as keeping water from entering your home.
4. Cut Down on Heating Costs
Installing extra insulation in areas like the attic and basement can help cold air from creeping inside, and warm air from sneaking out. This will help lower your heating bill about $100-$150 a year. It’s also important to check doors and windows for cracks! Replace, repair, and caulk when needed!
5. Maintain Furnace
It’s important to have regular maintenance on your furnace every two years. This helps prolong the life of the furnace, as well as keep it running smoothly, and efficiently. And don’t forget about the furnace filter! These need to be replaced monthly during the Winter, and should be swapped out every three months while in use.
6. Protect Those Pipes
Having a pipe burst is an absolute nightmare. The best way to prevent this during Winter months is with a layer of foam called lagging. We also suggest letting faucets drip overnight in freezing temperatures. It’s the easiest and most cost effective way to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.
7. Don’t Rake Your Leaves
Last, but not least….don’t waste time raking leaves. It’s tedious, time consuming, and tends to tear up that beautiful yard you worked so hard on. Instead, mulch your leaves while you mow. Essentially, you’re killing two birds with one stone. And that’s our absolute favorite thing to do!
We know being a home owner isn’t always fun and games. It’s costly, time consuming and ultimately can be a pain in the butt. There is so much work that goes into maintaining both the inside and outside of a home. But a home is an investment, and it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep it in the best condition for you, your family, and your wallet! Fall is our favorite time of year. Enjoy all of the fun and excitement that comes with it, but don’t put your home on the back burner. It needs some love and attention too!
