Here’s an essential checklist for your Fall Maintenance! As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall maintenance is crucial not only for the comfort of your home but also for ensuring its safety and efficiency.
1. Fall MAINTENANCE Tip #1: Change Ceiling Fan Blades
Before the temperatures drop, consider reversing your ceiling fan blades to rotate clockwise. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, helping to maintain a cozy atmosphere. While you’re at it, take the opportunity to clean the blades to eliminate dust buildup that could affect air quality.
Try use a microfiber wand or duster set to maintain efficiency as well as the waste on our environment.
2. Fall MAINTENANCE Tip #2: Clean Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to serious water damage. As leaves begin to fall, make sure to clear your gutters of debris to ensure proper drainage. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional. Don’t forget to check downspouts to ensure they’re clear and directing water away from your foundation.
3. Tip #3: Turn Off and Disconnect Outside Water Sources
As temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to protect your outdoor plumbing. Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. For added protection, consider draining and storing your hoses for the winter.
There are insulated bags that people sell as well as the foam faucet, if this is something you already have. I’d love to know your feedback or what you do instead.
4. Tip #4: HVAC Systems
Now is the perfect time to check your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s running efficiently. Change the filters and make sure that your heating system is ready to keep your home warm throughout the winter months. Maintenance is cheaper than replacements.
5. Tip #5: Carpets and Air Vents Cleaned
With more time spent indoors, it’s essential to have clean carpets and air vents. Schedule a deep clean for your carpets to remove dust, allergens, and stains. Don’t forget to vacuum and clean your air vents to ensure optimal airflow and air quality.
We also purchased a small air purifier for each room and a large one for downstairs. We have 2 dogs and kids that are constantly running around in our house from outside. This helps keep our air quality better as well as the allergens in the room decreased.
6.Tip #6: Fire Escape Plan
As the days grow shorter and nights get colder, fire safety becomes paramount. Review and update your fire escape plan with all members of your household. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room and designate a safe meeting point outside. Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
You can visit https://www.smartdraw.com/evacuation-plan/fire-escape-plan-maker.htm to make a fire escape plan for your residential or business needs.
7. Fall MAINTENANCE Tip #7: Prepare a Winter Kit
Finally, prepare a winter emergency kit for your home and vehicle. This should include essentials like blankets, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and water. Don’t forget to include a shovel and ice melt/cat litter for your driveway and walkways. We also need to remember a car charger as well as possible gloves, mitt, and a jacket or extra coat, this ensure that you are covered. We always have a go-back at the front door and one in our car.
A recent semi-truck that spun out and got stuck going up a hill on I-70 in February, leaving many people stranded on the highway for hours. The drivers that were stranded did have HWY and local Police Forces were checking on them to make sure they were okay. I do know that citizens from the local counties actually went out at checked on drivers as well.
Emergencies happen. Last year I-70W has been closed multiple times during the winter months due to the icy conditions as well as people driving reckless. It’s always better to be prepared for a situation and not need those items than to be stuck on the road without these items.
By following this fall maintenance checklist, you’ll ensure you and your home are ready for the cold months ahead. Not only will these tasks improve your comfort, but they will also enhance the safety and efficiency of your living space and peace of mind.
Happy fall, and here’s to a cozy season! Are you wanting to read our other blogs? Click here.
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