As much as we may want to delay it, the end of summer is nigh. Best to take care of a few housekeeping items before it gets too cold outside. Here is a quick list of things you can do to prepare your home for the winter (your future self will thank you!).
Cleaning
Cleaning the small stuff now will help your spring and winter go better.
Clean out your Air Conditioner (gently!). A leaf blower or a garden hose should be all you need to get the fins all cleaned off. Don’t forget to cover it when you are done so all your hard work isn’t for naught.
Gutters. Clean them out to allow good flow of meltwater off your roof, double check that your downspout extensions work and are not threatening to fall off.
Shut off and drain your outside lines if you can, this will help prevent them from freezing up.
Trim up the plants outside so that they are ready for the winter nap.
Repairs and Maintenance
Don’t let home issues get too big! Stuff is easy and cheap to fix when it is caught early.
Weather-stripping. Cheap, easy to replace, and keeps your home cooler! Check your doors, garage door, windows, make sure there are no sizeable gaps. Might as well check your attic hatch while you’re at it.
Have your furnace professionally serviced. You don’t want this crapping out in the dead of winter. Stock up on filters too!
Test your thermostat, and give it some fresh batteries if it uses them.
Caulking. Make sure that the caulking around any exterior penetrations is up to snuff, if the caulking is torn, it can let heat out, or moisture in, neither are ideal.
Shopping and Preparation
Time to stock up!
Sand or Snow Melt (quick note on snow melt, avoid using it on concrete steps and patios, it can lead to that ugly chipping and cracking you sometimes see)
Are your shovels going to susrvive the winter? Check on them
Furnace Filters
Prefer an easy to use checklist? Download your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist below!
Need some know-how to get this all done? I’ve got a playlist for most of your home maintenance needs right here!
Hope this helps! Got questions? Reach out to me below!
Nick Salmon
403-472-8325
soldbysalmon@gmail.com
