The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air and Fall is officially here! As the seasons change, it's helpful to do some quick maintenance to ensure your home runs smoothly during the colder months. You don't want to be caught unprepared, especially if you live in a particularly frosty climate. A bit of prep work now can prevent headaches and potentially costly repairs down the line. Use this checklist to prepare your home for autumn.
Winterize your air conditioner
If you're switching off your air conditioner for the season, take a few minutes to remove twigs, leaves, and grass clippings around the system. To guard against freezing, place foam pipe covers around exposed pipes.
Inspect your furnace
As you prepare to switch from cool to heat, have an HVAC professional check your system. Contact a Lennox® dealer to inspect your heating system's efficiency, test for leaks, and change the filter.
Test your home safety devices
Autumn is a great time to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices to ensure they're working properly. As a best practice, homeowners should test smoke alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.
Weather strip windows and doors
By sealing gaps around your doors and windows, you can make your home feel warmer and save 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills. However, weather stripping deteriorates over time, so it's a good idea to inspect it every fall. Learn more about weatherizing your home.
Keep vents clear
When you switch from cool to heat, make sure you don't have any furniture blocking air vents in the floors or walls. If needed, rearrange furniture and rugs to allow for unrestricted air flow.
Trim your trees
Fall is a great time to accomplish outdoor work that you can't complete when it's snowy or icy outside. Prune your trees to avoid falling limbs in a winter storm, and ensure your lawn is free of fallen leaves. A blanket of fall foliage might look beautiful, but leaving too many leaves on your lawn throughout the winter season will inhibit spring growth.
Clean your home's gutters
Don't let fall's colorful leaves clog your home's gutters. Be sure to remove any nests, leaves, and other debris. Clogged gutters can cause damaged exterior surfaces and can lead to water in your basement. Remember that your downspouts should extend at least five feet away from your house to prevent foundation problems.
Preventative maintenance is key. By tackling this simple fall checklist, you'll make the season more pleasant and avoid any unwanted surprises or costs. Not sure how to check something or want a professional's guidance? Contact your Lennox dealer. We're happy to help.
