Your Fall Homecare Checklist

The weather is quickly cooling, and it’s time to get your house prepared for the winter ahead. With the change in temperatures, you need to make sure your home is ready for the coming season. Follow this checklist of key areas to take care of before the first frost.

Sprinkler Systems

With temperatures dropping below freezing, the pipes outside your house are at risk for bursting. To keep your home safe, you want to winterize your sprinkler system beforehand. This process typically involves four steps, including turning off the water, blowing out the system, turning off your timer and insulating your sprinkler heads. These steps will help you prevent broken pipes or damaged systems, so when the weather finally warms, you’ll be ready to keep your lawn green for the summer.

Outdoor Features

Another area to check is your outdoor features, including your decks and gutters. To get started, inspect the paint, sealants and patio deck supports. As you look at the deck, look for spots where the paint or sealant looks worn or damaged. For the deck supports, look for any damage or where no longer even. Next, you want to check that you don’t have any spots where leaves or other debris are causing blocks. Once it goes below freezing, these areas can cause damage to your house if left unchecked.

Chimney Care

If your house has a fireplace, you need to have it inspected. There can be damage or buildup from previous use or other blockages from the summer months, which is dangerous if not caught early. Begin with a visual check. Next, check that your chimney cap is working. Then go through and clean the inside and areas around the fireplace and chimney. If you are uncertain, bring in a professional. Having a yearly inspection is a great way to ensure your home is safe.

Indoor Systems Checks

Once your outdoor systems are ready, it’s time to move indoors. Start with checking your heating and cooling systems. At the very least, you want to clean your filters. If possible, set up an annual inspection of your HVAC system. Remember, it is better to catch a problem before the weather drops below freezing. During any inspection, be sure that all the connections, coils and exchanges are in good shape. Finally, check that your thermostat settings are at comfortable levels for the winter months.

With your house ready to go, all you have left to do is enjoy the beautiful fall colors.