Look outside! The colors are coming alive throughout the whole metro area, it’s well and truly Fall.
This weekend would be the perfect time to tackle a few of the things to keep your home ready for the changing seasons.
Handy To-Do List of Everything to Prepare Your Home for Autumn:
Change Your Home's HVAC Air Filters
Filters trap dust, mold, and debris that would otherwise be distributed throughout your home. It’s important to change your filters regularly to keep your home’s air clean!
Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s critically important to make sure that your home’s smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are working well, and that batteries are changed regularly. Test them once a month, to be sure!
Check & Set Thermostats to Proper Temperatures
Check your thermostats to make sure they are working well and set/program the correct fall temperatures (the US Department of Energy recommends 68 in the fall and winter, lower when away or asleep).
Inspect Outdoor HVAC Equipment for Debris
You’ll want to look around your outside HVAC equipment to make sure that there are no obstructions or overgrown plants around any of the components; make sure to clear anything around them.
Review Your Family's Fire Safety Plan & Equipment
Go over your family’s fire safety plan, just in case, making sure you have fire extinguishers, especially in the kitchen, an evacuation plan in place, and escape ladders for upstairs rooms.
Inspect Roof & Gutters for Damage or Debris
Check your gutters and roof to make sure nothing is coming loose, damaged, or is blocked up (of course, with leaves falling, you may want to have them cleaned after the foliage has fallen).
Inspect Fireplaces, Chimneys & Flues Before Use
If you have a fireplace and chimney, check the flue and chimney for debris (or birds’ nests), open and close it a few times, and if you use it regularly, have it inspected for creosote buildup which can be a fire hazard.
Check Exteriors, Windows & Doors for Air Leaks
Seal up any potential air leaks around the house, windows, and doors with weatherstripping. Sealing up a drafty home can help save up to 20% in energy bills! Check under doors by trying to slide a piece of paper through the gap or use a flashlight at night to see where the light gets through.
Do a full check of your HVAC system's components
It’s important to check your HVAC system to make sure everything is ready to keep you warm this winter! By scheduling a fall checkup with an HVAC professional, they can help you make sure all of the following are done:
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils: Dirty coils reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner.
- Inspect and clean drain line and drain pan: A clogged drain line or drain pan will cause a huge mess.
- Lubricate blower and condenser fans: Fans should rotate freely and need some oil to do so.
- Inspect electrical wirings and controls: Loose connections can cause equipment failure or fires.
- Inspect and clean air registers and ductwork: Dusty air registers reduce airflow.
- Checking air quality & humidity: Keep your family breathing healthy air.