Is Your Home Ready for Winter?
Home Maintenance Tips
Fall, the season of sweaters, pumpkin everything, candy corn, and fall home maintenance…? You read that right. These perfect fall days are the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for the upcoming winter. Below are some fairly simple maintenance tips that will help prepare your home and property for the colder weather.
● Lawn and Tree Maintenance
○ Great lawn care actually begins in the fall. You can help your grass realize its full potential in the spring by minimizing lawn damage caused by winter weather by fertilizing it in the fall. This will protect your lawn and help it grow quickly and beautifully in the spring.
○ Time to trim the tree! No, not that one…. yet. Trim dead and dying tree branches around your house to avoid potential broken limbs after a hard freeze or ice storm. If possible, it’s best to always consult an expert. An arborist can help to identify the trees and shrubs most at risk for breakage during storms and heavy wind.
● Mechanical Checkups
○ Be sure your HVAC system is ready for the temperature drop. The last thing anyone wants is to be left in the cold because of a malfunctioning heating system in the middle of the winter. In order to run efficiently, your system should be checked annually, so be sure to schedule an HVAC system tune-up with a professional.
○ Change your batteries! Safeguard your home by changing the batteries in all the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These small devices can save your life, so be sure you’re also testing them monthly.
● Exterior Care
○ Cleaning the gutters may be a chore, but it is a vital part of keeping the exterior of your home safe from damage. When you do clean your gutters, make sure you are also cleaning the downspouts to avoid clogs and backups.
○ There is not much better than enjoying a lovely fall day outside while relaxing on outdoor furniture. A good set of patio or lawn furniture can turn a yard into an oasis, but this luxury is not cheap. In order to get the most out your furniture and protect it for many seasons to come, invest in weather-proof furniture covers for the winter-time for the inclement weather.
As the days grow shorter, and you begin to spend more time in your home, be sure you properly prepared it for the fastly approaching wintertime. Following these tips will help you rest assured your home is ready when it arrives.
What about you? What is your fall maintenance routine? I would love to hear how you prepare for the change of seasons. Leave a comment below to share your tips!
If you are considering selling your home, it is critical to have an experienced realtor visit and do a comparative market analysis. Not only to give you some information about your home’s value but also to discuss the condition of your home and any trouble spots that need to be addressed before listing it!
I would be honored to be the expert you consult! Please contact me at bill@guidinglightrealty.net or 919.270.8426.