Fall is officially at our doorstep. Temperatures trend cooler. The apple orchards open and pumpkin spice is in everything, everywhere. Fall is also a great time to winterize your home. A few small steps of preparation now can save save money during winter. On days with mild temperatures, make the most of the weather and begin basic repairs and clean up to maximize every dollar before the chilly days of December dawn.
Clean Out Your Gutters
At least once and maybe even twice during the fall you’ll want to clean out your gutters. Leaves, sticks, and even small trees grow in your trusty guardrails for your roof. You need to do a quick clean up before the fall foliage takes over and then another go round after the majority of the leaves have fallen. If you have a one-story house, more than likely you can tackle this task on your own. If you live in a two-story home, you may want to consider hiring the job out. Veterans or senior citizens should investigate if local companies offer a steep discount or even free service. If you aren’t either of the above, consider hiring those same companies as a thanks for the good that they do in your community. Angel Indy on the Southside of Indianapolis has an application process to see if you qualify.
Stow Away Flower Pots, Hoses, and Outdoor Toys
September and October are great months to begin to clean and put away summertime toys. You’ll also want to detach hoses from the water spigot and wind up your hose for the season. And you’ll want to look for tomato cages, flowerpots, deck furniture, and any other seasonal décor to stash before the first frost hits. Hose everything down and found a place for each item in the garage or storage barn.
Seal Up Cracks
No one wants to caulk their windows and doors in sub-zero temperatures. Now is the time to inspect any air leaks you might have in your home and begin sealing up those cracks. Home improvement stores offer plastic sealant kits or you can simply buy a caulking gun. For more tips on properly sealing up cracks, read this article and watch this video to discover which caulk you should choose. Finally, this video How to Caulk to Prevent Air Cracks will help you know how to remove old caulk and apply new.
Find and/or Replace Your Rake
If your home has mature trees, the leaves may or may not be beginning to fall. Rather than waiting until the driveway is covered and you can’t see your lawn, dig out your rake now. Evaluate if it needs replaced. If you can get buy for one more season, consider snagging a rake during the months of November, December, or January when they’re on clearance. P.S. it’s also a great time to buy deck boxes and patio furniture. You’re going to need your rake soon if you haven’t used it already. Go hunting for it now.
Change Your Furnace Filter
The worst time to deal with your heater is during the winter months. During the fall, before you have to fire it up again, do your routine maintenance and clean or change the furnace filter. Depending on the specific model, you may be able to elongate the life of your filter by vacuuming it out or even rinsing it with a hose. You could choose to cut your own filter from a bulk roll of fiberglass, too to save a few dollars. But if you’re not DIY material, call a recommended service company to come and give your furnace a good once over before the colder air begins to flow. It might cost you a little bit of money in the short term but in the long run, you’ll save plenty of cash and won’t be left out in the cold. Here’s another great video to help you maintain your HVAC system.
Enjoy the spirit of the fall, but don’t forget that chillier days are on the way. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Do the dirty work you need to do now so that you can save money and enjoy the seasons to come.
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