Helloooo Fall! Is your home ready?

As the seasons change, there are home maintenance items we can perform, or hire to be performed, that will protect one of our largest investments...our HOME! Below is a checklist that may help you get ready for the impending Winter that will certainly follow this newly welcomed Fall:

1.Gutters: Clogged gutters can be a source of problems for your home's exterior, foundation and basement! Before Winter hits, it is helpful to clean out your gutters and install mesh gutter guards to prevent any more debris from clogging the gutters moving forward.

2. Air Leaks: As time goes on and the house ages, it may lose some energy efficiency due to cracks or open spaces. There are two great ways to combat this natural occurrence. The first way is to replace any and all weather stripping that has lost its efficacy. If there is air movement when the door/window is completely shut, you may need to replace those areas with new weather-stripping. Second, check all points of entry to your home including doors, windows, cable and electrical points for any missing or cracked caulk. Replace damaged or deteriorated caulk to help keep the outdoor elements...outdoors!

3. Furnace Filter: This is a minor task, but can actually help keep utility bills lower and allow our homes to remain at a consistent temperature. Did you know that you can actually clean your filter before having to change it out? This allows a bit more use and saves money at the end of the day! Most filters can be vacuumed or sprayed with water to rinse off the debris. Alternating a cleaning and a replacement will actually cut your new filter cost in half.

4. Furnace Checkup: Early Fall is a great time to schedule an annual checkup for your home's heating system. By regularly listening for strange noises or squeaking in your system, you can potentially head off a major issue that could be costly. If your furnace isn't performing properly and not working as well as it should be, the checkup should help pinpoint any issues.

Home ownership is a great responsibility and anything we can do to cut costs and increase efficiency is a check in the PLUS column! Now that Fall is upon us, it is a great opportunity to take care of some to-do's while the weather is not too hot or too cold!