You’ve heard of spring cleaning and winterizing your home but these quick fixes in the fall can save you quite a bit of time later. Since the weather is still warmer and there isn’t snow on the ground, fall is actually a great time to prepare for the months ahead.
Clean Your Gutters
You’ve probably heard that you should clean your gutters to keep debris from building up and causing your gutters to overflow. Fall is the best time to do this task because the leaves will fall and create more work if it’s done in the summer. Too much build up and debris could potentially cause the gutters to sag or cause sidewalks to get slick if water pours out of them and freezes.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines and Faucets
This task may not be at the top of your list but it can save you money in the long run. Start by shutting off your main water line. Then open the outdoor spigots to drain them. Frozen water could lead to pipes bursting so this quick fix can be a lifesaver.
Prepare Outdoor Furniture
Bringing in patio furniture may seem unnecessary because it’s intended for outdoor use. But to prolong your furniture, bringing it inside and out of the elements is a must. Use warm water and dish soap to clean cushions or covers and spray the rest off with a hose or wipe it down with a cleaning solution. Store the furniture covered with a tarp or sheet to maintain the cleanliness. By bringing it in, you’re preventing wood from cracking or rotting, metal from rusting, plastic from cracking and cloth from becoming moldy or infested with bugs.
Check Your Heating System
You assume your heat will work when you need it but taking a small amount of time to check the filters and make sure things are in working order will save you from being stuck when the winter hits. Checking this early also gives you time to get a professional in if needed.
Reverse Your Fans
Often forgotten, changing the direction of your fans from counter-clockwise to clockwise is a key to air circulation. During the summer, blades are counter-clockwise to circulate a breeze. When the blades are clockwise, it’s pushing the warm air down into the living space which helps cut heating costs. Most ceiling fans have a switch on them that do this for you. While your up there, wipe your ceiling fan and light fixture down. They are often forgotten.