As summer starts to cool down, the fall season starts ramping up—meaning you’ll need to start preparing your home for this change in the weather. The sun will be to setting quicker, and temperatures will start to drop—to get ahead of this, check out our suggestions below and start prepping your house now while the weather is still nice.
Set Up a Chimney Inspection
Fall is the perfect time to set up a chimney inspection. If you use a fireplace to heat your home, ensure it’s ready for use by receiving an annual inspection to stay on top of maintenance. Though you most likely did not use the chimney during the summer, you’ll be burning fires in the hearth before you know it.
Test Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Smoke detector batteries must be checked once a year. Avoiding this small task could prove dangerous because the device will be left without power; therefore, it won’t alert you if there is a fire. Carbon monoxide detectors are also important devices to test. Replace all batteries that are no longer working properly.
Transition Your Décor
All though most of these items on this list deal with maintenance, you can’t forget to have some fun and transition your decor from summer to fall. Welcome the new season with fresh decorations to transform your space.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most people do not know that your ceiling fan has a summer and winter setting—counterclockwise and clockwise. This means, depending on the fan’s direction, it pushes cool air down to cool off your home. For fall and winter weather, the fan should rotate clockwise to pull the cool air up and away from your space while pushing the warmer air back down toward the floor.
Clean Out the Gutters
To prepare the exterior of your home for the fall season, clear gutters of any leaves, twigs, and branches. Doing so helps rainwater that falls into the gutter to drain properly. If water accumulates and overflows in the wrong areas, it could damage the foundation of your home.
Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
To avoid a rise in your gas bill, ensure there are no leaks in your windows or doors that could be causing a draft. The seal on these could be broken or lost, and you may need replacements to ensure your house stays warm this upcoming fall.
Prepping your home when the seasons change is important because it allows you to double-check that items are secure and in working condition. Don’t forget to take breaks between tasks and do something fun such as decorating. You also don’t need to complete every job on the same day—spread out your work, so you don’t get overwhelmed.