Fall is right around the corner. Is your home fall-ready for this transition from summer to autumn? Well, there are lots of steps you can take to keep your home cozy and efficient in the fall season. These are easy and affordable everyday activities you can do as part of your annual home inspection. They include:
1. Clean, Organize, and De-clutter to get it Fall-Ready
Cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering your home gives it a tranquil and simplified ambiance into fall. To get fall-ready, start by scrubbing all surfaces, including windows, doors, floors, and home appliances. Next, empty and organize your fridge, pantry, and storage areas. Here, check the expiration dates of your food supplies. Throw expired food, and donate the foodstuffs that won’t make it to the fall season. Third, de-clutter and donate your summer clothes and shoes. Also, clean and replace your bedding, towels, and linens.
2. Decorate Your Home
Did you know that installing cozy wallpaper or adding a vintage runner to your entryways can warm up your home for fall? And you can use your pottery and glassware to accessorize and create a fun centerpiece as a focal point in your living room. Donate your unused items in the store and turn the extra space into a hideaway room complete with accented lighting, a reading table, a lamp, a bed, and cozy pillows and blankets. Hang your woven baskets and add some fresh fall flowers for a tasteful look.
3. Make Sure Your Installations are Fall-Ready
Not only should your home be clean and attractive, but it should also be functional. That’s why you should inspect your installations to confirm that they are in tip-top shape and fall-ready. Now is the best time to scrutinize and clean the filter furnace and change the humidifier filter too. Next, check the air quality in the attic. Here, you want to confirm that the insulation is working; all the air vents are clean, dry, and mold-free. Seal any air leakages into the attic to prevent ice dams from forming in winter. Finally, check for cracks in and outside your home. Call a professional to assess and repair any rift at least an eighth of an inch wide.
4. Carry Out Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance will save you unnecessary utility bills and repair costs when getting fall-ready. Have the gutters clean, and debris-free, with water flowing freely through them. Add a drain spout extension to divert water away from the foundation. Ideally, you want water to drain 4 to 6 feet away from your home. Next, inspect and repair any visible damage on your windows, door frames, and surrounding drywall. The weather-stripping should be secure to prevent drafts responsible for escalating heating bills. Test and replace fire alarms and carbon monoxide detector batteries. And reverse the ceiling fan to push the heat down from the ceiling to the floor.
5. Work With a Professional
Some areas around your home require professional handling only to get fall-ready. For example, ask a professional to clean your chimney. And contact an HVAC professional to check the ductwork and tune up your heating system. Then, as a rule of thumb, call an expert to address any concerns you have after inspecting your home.
A savvy homeowner is proactive in preparing their home for fall. Then, use the tips above to enjoy a comfortable, safe, and cost-efficient transition into the cooler season ahead.