In September, Summer waves goodbye and the Autumn changes start to make themselves known. Days are getting shorter, leaves are starting to turn, and your home deserves some special attention to prepare for colder temperatures to come. This month’s Home Maintenance To-Do’s are all about packing up summer and welcoming fall… before the cold weather hits and you find yourself trying to play catchup.
Get heating system serviced
Don’t wait for late in the fall and winter to check your heating system. Check with professionals in your area for an annual inspection between seasons. They’ll help you with any current cooling issues your home faces and help you prepare for the cold months to come.
Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
Look up and you’ll find you’ve neglected to clean much of your living space simply because it was out of sight. Give lights, fans, and vents a good dusting before you start circulating heat and spreading dust mites.
Test the smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors
The experts at Safewise recommend testing all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month. Give them fresh batteries and don’t be afraid to replace them with newer, smarter models that can alert you to danger when you aren’t home.
Get fireplaces professionally checked and cleaned
Chestnut roasting season may be a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to clean out the fireplace. Besides, it’s a good idea to do it early, while your local chimney sweep has room in their about-to-be busy schedule. A clean hearth and fireplace can reduce fire hazards in your home and keep the air clean inside.
Check and replace weather stripping around doors and windows
Keep the cold out (and the heat in) by making sure your weather stripping hasn’t slipped out of place around windows and doors. Replace any worn caulking that leaves gaps, or you’ll find the wind whistling through more than you might like this season.
Store summer items and replace with fall items
As the temperatures drop, say goodbye to pool supplies, beach towels, and flip-flops and hello to coats and boots and see if you can dig up a pair of mittens. You can also use this opportunity to purge your junk. While uncovering your fall and winter gear, sort out the old and unused items to cut down on the clutter. Create “keep, donate, or trash” piles to stay organized.
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