Not to burst your bubble, but time flies, and summer will be over before you know it. So, while you’re enjoying the warm weather and long days, it’s essential to start thinking about preparing your home for autumn. Although summer isn’t officially over until September 23, it’s never too early to start crossing items off your fall prep list.
Of course, you don’t have to get on these right away. However, if you want to avoid the stress of last-minute prep (and who doesn’t?), it’s best to start early. That way, you can enjoy the rest of summer without a care in the world. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Here are six tasks you should accomplish this summer to get your home ready for cooler weather and shorter days:
Task #1 Clean out your gutters and downspouts.
Ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris will help prevent water damage to your home come autumn. When leaves and other debris accumulate in your gutters, they can cause a backup of water. This water can then leak into your home, resulting in costly damage.
To avoid this, clean out your gutters and downspouts at the beginning of summer and again midway through the season. And you don’t want to wait until the leaves start falling to clean them out! By then, it will be too late. So, put this task on your to-do list and thank yourself later.
Task #2 Inspect your windows and doors
Another task you should consider is inspecting your windows and doors. This is important to ensure that they are adequately sealed and insulated. By doing this, you can help improve the energy efficiency of your home. In turn, you’ll be able to keep your home warmer in the autumn and winter.
To check if your windows and doors need to be sealed or insulated, hold a light up to them. If you see any light coming through, there’s a gap that needs to be filled. You can use caulk or weather-stripping to fill these gaps and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Task #3 Get your heating system serviced
If you have a heating system in your home, it’s essential to get it serviced before the cooler months set in. This way, you can be sure that it’s working correctly and won’t break down when you need it most. After all, with the way it takes a beating every winter, your heating system deserves a little TLC!
You can contact a qualified technician from a residential furnace service to schedule an appointment. They’ll inspect your system and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. As a result, you can rest assured knowing that your heating system is ready for action come autumn.
Task #4 Change your air filters
To keep your home’s air quality fresh and clean, you must change your air filters regularly. This is especially important to do in the summer, as the air is typically drier and dustier. Changing your air filters frequently is even more critical if you have allergies. Doing so can help reduce the amount of allergens in your home and improve your indoor air quality.
You could also consider using a dehumidifier if you live in an area with high humidity. This can help prevent mold and mildew growth, which can be a problem in damp environments. After all, you want your home to be a haven, not a health hazard!
Task #5 Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital to any home safety plan. That’s why routine checking them is crucial to ensure they work correctly. You should also test them periodically to ensure they go off in an emergency.
It’s a good idea to test your smoke detectors once a month. You can do this by pressing the test button on the detector. As for carbon monoxide detectors, it’s recommended that you test them once a year. If you have a battery-operated detector, check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed.
Task #6 Prep your outdoor space
If you have an outdoor space, now is the time to start prepping it for autumn. This may include raking leaves, trimming branches, and cleaning up gardens. Doing this can help ensure that your outdoor space is ready for the cooler weather ahead, and you won’t have to worry about it later.
Also, don’t forget to bring in any outdoor furniture that you won’t be using over the next few months. This includes items like patio furniture, grills, and lawn mowers. By storing these items safely, you can help extend their life and keep them in good condition.
There you have it! Six tasks to help you prepare your home for autumn. Remember, preparing for the cooler months is never too early. So, get on these tasks and enjoy the rest of the summer worry-free!
