Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn Weather

Now that fall has arrived, people are spending more time at home and are settling into their usual routines. The kids are back to school, and for most, vacation getaways and fun in the sun are now just happy memories. The autumn season is a great time to get your home prepared for the cooler weather ahead and to make sure everything is in good shape before the temperatures outside start to get really chilly.

There are a few things that are essential for most homeowners to think about when it comes to preparing for cooler weather. In this article, we’ll share with you some ideas for getting your home fall-ready, including DIY tips that are simple but can help you and your family enjoy better comfort and save money once winter arrives. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips for Getting Your Home Autumn-Ready This October

1. Make sure your doors and windows are draft-free. If you’re worried about losing heat out of your home once the cooler weather settles in, one of the first places you should look is your doors and windows. Drafty windows and doors allow the cold air to enter your home, and the warm air to escape. That can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary and can cost you more in utilities. If you feel a draft coming in around them, then you’ll want to make sure they’re weatherproofed, which you can easily do yourself with some weatherstripping from your local home improvement store.
2. Clean out the gutters. During the summer months, your home’s gutters can collect all sorts of debris, including dirt, vegetation, and insects. The debris builds up in your gutters and makes it difficult for water to successfully run off into them. And, once the freezing weather returns, that water can cause ice dams – and a lot of potential damage to your roof. Cleaning out gutters before the snow flies can help prevent this from happening.
3. Fertilize your lawn. It’s easier than you might think! More and more, environmental experts agree that one of the best ways to fertilize your lawn and prepare it for its long winter’s nap is by simply mulching up the fallen leaves with your lawn mower rather than raking them. The mulched leaves will decompose, feeding your lawn vital nutrients all winter long. If you prefer, you can usually commercial lawn fertilizer readily available at your local lawn and garden center.
4. Check your home’s roofing and siding. If you notice any damaged or loose shingles, replace them or secure them. Once the snow flies, snow and ice can build up underneath these shingles or siding pieces and can cause damage to your home. Making sure they’re secure in the fall can save you future headaches this winter.
5. Make sure your home’s HVAC system is in good working order. First of all, you’ll want to clean up around the outdoor unit of your home’s air conditioning system. Make sure all weeds are pulled away from the system and that any debris is cleaned up. Check the system itself for dirt or any nesting pests. You can gently hose off your system once you shut it down for the winter, and once it’s dry, secure it for the cold months to come with a properly fitted AC cover. And, you’ll want to make sure your heating system is prepared as well. If you haven’t called John Betlem yet to schedule your fall maintenance, now is the time to do so!

John Betlem can help you get the fall heating maintenance you need.

At John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Inc., we know how important it is to have your home’s heating system ready for the cooler months ahead. We can help you get the heating services you need so that you and your family can experience the best home comfort. Simply give us a call at 585.326.4767 and we will be more than happy to help you with any home heating need you may have this fall.