Though Fall has already started, there are a few things you can do still to ensure your home is well-prepared for the season:

• Examine Your Gutters: This time of year it is important to clean and inspect your gutters (replacing as needed) to ensure they are working properly as the rain and snow season hits. If they are clogged or damaged, it could result in flooding or exterior damage – so be sure not to wait.
• Check for Drafts: In the Fall and Winter, many homeowners are spending extra money heating their homes due to drafts, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  A quick check on exterior doors and windows to confirm if they are properly sealed is a good start. To do this, simply close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, update your weatherstripping.
• Inspect Your Furnace: In Canada, we are no strangers to chilly evenings.  To ensure you are comfortable throughout the colder months, be sure to have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional. They can check leaks, test efficiency, and change the filter. They can also conduct a carbon monoxide check to ensure air safety.
• Manage Your Thermostat: As tempting as it is to turn your heat all the way up in the winter, proper thermostat management will help you save costs in the long run. Using a thermostat with a timer can save you even more. Turn them on earlier so the room heats up in time for use and have it turned off 30 minutes before bed or before leaving the home.

• Fix Any Concrete/Asphalt Cracks: This one is easy to ignore but can turn into a bigger issue. When water gets into existing cracks during colder months, it freezes and expands, causing cracks to become even larger.

• Turn Off Outdoor Plumbing: Since your garden will not need attention until the Spring, shut off and drain all outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Depending on where you live, you might also want to cover them to prevent freezing during the Winter months.

• Change Your Batteries: For safety, check all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices at least a couple of times throughout the year. While doing other Fall home prep, this is an easy one to add to the list.

• Create a Storm Kit: A storm kit is a handy source of essential items in the event of losing power. Consider what you and your family might need, such as a flashlight with new batteries, candles, matches, a portable radio, water, and snacks. Keep your kit somewhere easy to access.

Whatever your plans this season, a quick check of your home will ensure you are well-prepared for cooler temperatures ahead.

Adapted from DLC Marketing

Image Credit: Hans Isaacson, Unsplash