Fall is around the corner!  The leaves have turned and are sprinkling the streets everywhere. It’s time to start prepping your home for the cold season. While you don’t have to full out winterize your home quite yet, it is a smart idea to get a jump on some of these tasks for the autumn season. Here are some tips to prepare your home for fall:

• Have the furnace inspected and the chimney cleaned.
• Clean out the heating ducts and replace the furnace filter.
• Check the house for any drafts. Be sure to check the weatherstripping around all the doors and windows, and replace screened doors with storm glass.
• Take out, clean and store window AC units.
• Stock up on firewood. If you are bringing it inside to store, make sure there are no bugs on it.

• Clear out the gutters and downspouts, and install leaf guards to prevent any clogging.
• Add extra insulation to the attic to help prevent ice dams.
• Replace worn shingles.
• Prevent Water Freezing
• Turn off water supply to all exterior spigots.
• Insulate any exposed water pipes.
• Remove, drain and store garden hoses.
• If you leave for an extended period of time, keep the heat on and set it to 55 degrees.

Don’t Neglect the Garage or Power Tools

• Sweep and clean out the garage.
• Clean gardening tools and summer power equipment.
• Make fall and winter equipment more accessible (rakes, shovels, etc.).
• Check all the fall and winter power equipment (leaf blowers, snow blowers, etc.) to make sure they are working properly.
• Clean and store all your lawn and patio furniture.

Other Odds and Ends

• Pressure wash the exterior of the house – This should be done once or twice a year. You’d be surprised how much sticks to the siding of your house. Give it a good scrub to help remove any dirt, mildew, and bugs.
• Close down the pool (if you have one).
• Trim down branches that hang close to the house.
• Check foundation for any cracks.
• Clean and store the grill.

Tips for Preparing the Interior

• On one of the last warmer days, open up all the windows and air out the house before sealing it up for the cold season.
• Prep your doorways by setting out throw rugs and mud trays.
• Prepare for more indoor cooking by doing a thorough cleaning of the oven and stove.
• Clean out old items in the food pantry and refrigerator, and restock with ingredients for home cooked meals such as homemade soup, slow-cooker recipes, and hot dishes.
• Get ready for closed windows by doing a thorough cleaning of the whole house to remove dust buildup. Don’t forget to shampoo those carpets! You’ll be spending a lot of time with them over the next 6 months.
• Store summer clothes – switch out flip-flops for boots, put away swimsuits and pull out mittens and hats, swap shorts for sweatshirts, etc.
• Organize holiday decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

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A Cypress Homes, Inc. Blog

*Related Post: Fall Lawn Maintenance*