Ok all you weekend warriors! Time to roll up your sleeves and get going on some fall chores and house winterization projects. We checked leading home improvement sites for their advice on how to stay warm, and cozy, while preserving your home and keeping utility bills manageable. We have provided some suggestions below.
Get an early start on your weekend – begin by grabbing your favorite hot seasonal beverage (Pumpkin Latte or Chai Tea anyone?) and head outside for a visual survey. Make a note of items that require attention, and go purchase any needed materials at your local home improvement store. Then, grab your tools and materials, put some favorite music on your MP3 player, and get to work!
Get your mind IN the gutter. Fall is the time when leaves, well, fall. Your rain gutters can likely use a clean out of leaves and debris. Are there any trees with branches that are near the house, and should be trimmed? It is also a perfect time to do a visual inspection of your roof, to see if there are any obvious problems that could cause leaks or damage when the rain arrives. (If you have a home with a tall roof or multiple stories, consider calling in a professional) There is nothing like that first rain of the season, and knowing you will be dry and that the water will go where it’s supposed to!
How’s the furnace? This is a great time clean/replace furnace filters, and change the batteries in your thermostat, if applicable. Turn on the furnace for a test run, and be sure it is functioning properly. Have you ever had your furnace serviced or your air ducts cleaned? This might be the time to call in a professional for a tune up, and maybe even a duct cleaning.
Crafty drafts: Do a visual survey of your door and window frames. Are there any noticeable gaps where wind or rain could get in? Check them from inside the house as well. Ideally, on a windy day, light a candle or incense and carry it around inside the house with you. If the smoke or flame flickers, you may have an air leak. Use the appropriate caulking material or weather-stripping to block air leaks. The garage door could also be a culprit for air leaks and drafts.
Be your own biggest fan. If you have ceiling fans in your home, reverse their direction. In the summer, they should pull hot air upward, and in the winter, they should push warm air down. You might as well dust the blades while you’re at it.
Get alarmed! Fall is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. As mentioned above, your thermostat may have a battery too. How about your bedside alarm clock – does it have a battery backup as well?
If you need suggestions for professionals in your area, give us a call. We’ve lived and worked in the San Ramon Valley for 15+ years, and have worked with many local tradesmen. With a little pre planning, you can make a weekend of these chores. And you can reward yourself for a job well done – knock off in time to catch that football game on TV!
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