This Year’s Fall Checklist: A Homeowner's Guide
The winter weather can be harsh on homes in the Boston, MA area, which is why homeowners are well advised to invest a little time and elbow grease this fall to tend to their homes to protect them from the season that lies ahead.
Not only will taking care of heating repairs and maintenance now save you from headaches as the winter goes on, preventative maintenance can actually improve your home’s energy efficiency, which will reduce your energy bills.
Schedule any Professional Services
The first thing on your fall checklist should be to schedule a furnace tune-up. It is a good idea to make sure that everything is operating smoothly before you turn it on for the winter.
In addition to inspecting the unit for potential problems, the technician will change the filter, which will make your furnace more energy efficient. It will also improve your indoor air quality.
If you’ve got a wood burning fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep before you fire it up for the winter. This can reduce the risk of home fire, and alert you to the presence of animal nests that may have appeared in your chimney over the spring and summer (as they do sometimes).
Your Outdoor Checklist
Remove hoses, put away and turn off interior hose valves. Leaving these valves open can present the risk of frozen pipes as the temperature dips.
Rake up leaves from your lawn. Letting the leaves stay over the winter will damage your lawn with mold and proliferation of pests.
Change exterior light bulbs. Make sure that walkways are even and in good repair; once they are covered in snow they can be very dangerous if there are tripping hazards. Seal up any cracks, because rodents and other animals love to nest in there over the winter.
Check the exterior paint for peeling and touch up before the snow flies. Clean and store patio furniture and lawn equipment.
Your Indoor Checklist
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans, which will capture warm air as it rises, forcing it back down into the room. This will give your furnace a break (and reduce your heating bills!).
Inspect windows for cracks and replace as needed. Re-caulk around any loose seals. Consider applying a film over the windows, which will keep the cool air out and the warm air in.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure that you have a working fire extinguisher on every floor. In the garage, get rid of any items that might freeze over the winter (i.e. paint, some cleaners etc.). Check the weather stripping around your garage door to make sure that it is intact. This can be a spot for heat loss from your home.
