It’s hard to believe August is almost over and that summer is coming to an end soon. Kids are going back to school, and the fall and winter seasons are just around the corner. As a homeowner, there are some steps you can take to get your house or condo in good shape for the wetter and colder weather ahead. It’s time to turn that switch as the seasons change once again.
Here are a few helpful tips to get your home ready for the fall season:
Clean the Gutters
When the rain starts to fall, you don’t want your gutters clogging up and causing problems. You may not have worried too much about them during the summer, but now is a good time to clean out any gunk, leaves and debris that may have built up over the past few months. Of course, you also have to be more proactive about cleaning your gutters, drains and roofs once the fall season hits and the leaves start to fall from the trees. It should be a regular chore to ensure you don’t have any overflow or leakage issues.
Tune-Up Your Heating System
You may have utilized your air conditioner all summer or just let the natural breezes flow through your open windows. The climate will start to cool down before you know it and your heater will be a necessity. Now is a good time for an HVAC service to clean your vents and ducts, replace air filters, check the thermostat and make sure the heating unit is working properly. If you have fireplaces, this is the time to clean them and sweep the chimneys. Maybe even stockpile some extra wood now so you have it available when you need it. You can also consider investing in a smart thermostat that you can program for better energy efficiency and control.
Ceiling Fan Reversal
This is a tip many people tend to forget. Flip the switch on your ceiling fans during the colder seasons. While you like the air flow blowing down to spread around cool air in the summer, you want the opposite in fall and winter. The cool air is forced up and the warmer air is pushed down.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and consider just getting in the habit of replacing all the batteries this time of year to be safe. When your windows are closed and the heater or fireplace are running, you don’t want to take any chances with fires or deadly carbon monoxide building up inside your home.
Check for Leaks
Look at the seals around all your windows, doors and anywhere else where water might be able to seep in. Make sure they are sealed tightly to avoid leaks and excess moisture that can lead to mold, rotting dry wall and other issues.
Fertilize the Lawn
This is also the ideal time to fertilize your lawn. This will help keep your grass and other plants from experiencing damage during the winter. It can also help prevent weeds from popping up next spring.
Fall Gardening for Spring Blooms
If you want to plant some new flowers in your garden that will bloom in the spring, the key is planting the bulbs during the fall season. This will give them time to grow by the time the warmer months come next year. This is recommended for spring bloomers like tulips, daffodils, irises, lilies and hyacinth.
Clean Up the Yard and Garage
You’ve likely taken a lot more stuff out during the summer, especially if you have kids running around outside and playing. Get your garage reorganized and pick up all the outdoor stuff you won’t need during the fall and winter. Cover or put away patio furniture that you aren’t planning to use in the months ahead.
Get Ready to Get Cozy
Many homeowners like to put all the winter clothes and blankets in storage during the summer. You can start to unpack some of these items you may want and need and then pack away your summer shorts and warm season stuff. This might even be a fun time to do a little redecorating around the house with a fall theme. Summer is just about over. Sometimes it’s nice when the house décor feels appropriate to the season. Just don’t get too overanxious with the Christmas decorations yet. You still have plenty of time for that!
These are just a few ideas for homeowners as we prepare to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall and winter in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware. If you are planning a move this fall, let The Cyr Team help you with all your real estate needs. Contact us today for a no-obligation introductory home buying or selling consultation.