We are just days away from the start of the autumn season, which means we are in an excellent time of year to take care of home maintenance items that will prepare us as we shift into the chillier months of the year. Houzz put together a list of their top tips to have your home ready for the rain, falling leaves, and whatever else fall brings our way this year.
60 Minutes or Less
Layer up!
If you’re noticing a chill in the air, that means it’s a good time to bring out sturdier bedding, extra throw blankets, and thicker curtains and rugs, which will both make you feel cozier and potentially help you save on your energy bill.
Stock up on firewood
Most of us don’t have easy access to an abundance of trees to gather our own firewood and with the cooling weather, fall is a great time to place a call in and order fresh wood to get through the season.
Test safety devices
It’s important to take a few minutes to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to be sure everything is in working order. If you own a fire extinguisher, now is a great time to check its expiration date.
Be back-to-school ready
The start of a new school year can be a stressful time for kids. Try to make homework time easier by setting up a dedicated area that is “comfortable, attractive and well-organized” to facilitate learning and productivity.
Weekend Tasks
Furniture cleaning
Leather furniture needs to be well cared for, so if you haven’t cleaned yours lately, you should consider doing so. It’s key to know whether it’s been treated or not, as methods vary. Unprotected leather should be wiped with a clean dry cloth, while protected should be cleaned with a few drops of mild soap and a microfiber cloth.
Put away the A/C
If you have an air conditioning unit in your window from the warm weather season, now is the time to say goodbye. It’s best to put the component in storage for the year, though you can purchase an insulated cover should you need to keep it in the window.
Weather strip windows
If you have newer double-paned windows, you can move on to the next task, but those with older windows should consider weatherstripping as it will “help most older windows retain heat and stop drafts” which keeps your house comfortable and your energy bill down.
Autumn clothing
The change of a season means you’ll be shifting into an entirely different set of clothes and provides a good opportunity to go through your closet and get rid of anything you no longer need and prepare your summer clothes for storage.
Check roof & gutters
Though it’s “generally fine to wait until most of the leaves have fallen in autumn to clean out the gutters and downspouts,” you should take a moment to visually check their condition, pull out any large debris that may block gutters and note work-out seals that may need repair.
Heavy Duty Maintenance
Have chimney & furnace serviced
Because you’ll be using these heating systems more in autumn, it’s important to have your chimney sweep clean out the fireplace and chimney to be sure everything is in good working order.
Washer & dryer maintenance
You can either elect to clean dryer vents on your own or hire a professional, which is the recommended route if it’s been some time since your last cleaning. You should also pull out the washer and dryer to make sure there are no cracks in hoses.
Add insulation
If you are thinking about ways to save money this winter, “you may want to think about adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls.” It can help keep your home warmer in the chilly months and keep it cooler in the summer.
For more September home tips, read the full Houzz article here.