As much as we may want to savor every last bit of summer, these shorter days, crisp mornings, and slowly changing foliage make it clear that autumn is just around the corner. And that means tailgating, leaf-peeping, pumpkin-carving, and giving your home the extra TLC is needs to handle the cooler weather ahead. While that last part may not sound all that fun and exciting, it’s important nonetheless.
Follow these tips for preparing your home for colder weather now, then sit back and enjoy all the change of season has to offer.
Deep Clean
Autumn is the perfect time to thoroughly clean those spots we tend to ignore. Take this time to dust under furniture, wash the windows, declutter the cabinets, and thin out the closets. Is carpet cleaning is on your to-do list? Remember to spot-test an inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure the cleaning solution doesn’t cause discoloration or other damage.
Upgrade Lightbulbs
Still using electricity-hogging incandescent bulbs? Reduce energy consumption, save money, and get more life from each bulb by switching to LEDs or CFLs. While they may cost a little more upfront, they’ll pay for themselves in no time.
Check the Exterior
Conduct a visual inspection of your homes’ exterior and check for any areas that need painting, refinishing, sealing, or general repairs. This includes the roof, siding, decks or patios, fences, driveways, and walkways.
Prevent Heat Loss
Did you know that cracks and gaps around windows and exterior doors are a leading cause of energy waste and heat loss? Sealing these gaps makes your home more comfortable, takes pressure off your heating system, and saves on heating costs.
Replace Furnace Filter
A clean furnace filter traps dirt, dust, and allergens, thus improving overall air quality inside your home. It also maximizes a furnace’s operating efficiency, helping the system to last longer while reducing heating costs. Most standard furnace filters benefit from a change every eight weeks, or more often if you have pets that shed or if someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
Check Attic Insulation
Proper attic insulation conserves energy by trapping heat during colder months, thereby taking some of the pressure off your heating system. Check that your attic has proper insulation and add more if needed, being careful to avoid covering soffit vents which are vital for proper air flow.
Maintain the Lawn
Your grass still needs moisture so don’t turn those sprinklers off just yet. Some grasses experience growth in the fall and require adequate water to maintain a healthy root system.
Annual Heating Inspection
Hard to think about your heating system while your AC is still running, but scheduling this important service now means greater flexibility in getting an appointment that’s convenient for you. Plus, during your annual inspection, one of our licensed HVAC technicians will inspect that all components are working properly and safely, and troubleshoot any minor issues that, if ignored too long, could result in system breakdown and costly emergency repairs.
For annual preventive maintenance or any heating, cooling, or air quality need, contact the team of professionals at Zach Heating & Cooling. No one is better suited to keep your home comfort systems in top working order and to your complete satisfaction. Contact us today for service or a new system proposal.