We’ve all heard the term “spring cleaning,” but nobody ever talks about “fall cleaning.” Spring cleaning is meant to get your house looking nice and prepared for the warmer weather ahead. From cleaning out the garage so there’s room to maneuver, to getting the garden ready for planting, there’s a lot that needs to be done to get ready for the changing weather.
However, “fall cleaning” is just as, if not more, important than spring cleaning. The weather is about to start cooling down and you need to make sure you, and your house, are ready for it. Here is a simple list of 7 things you should do to prepare your home for fall weather.
1. Clean out your gutters
Okay, I know, you dread doing this, but it really does need to get done. Clogged gutters can cause major damage to your home and create annoying waterfalls that flow over the edge of the gutters when it rains. Aside from being annoying, the overflowing water can seep into your foundation and weaken it. As you can guess, it’s not exactly something you want.
Also, when a gutter is clogged, it causes water to “seek” for the next quickest way down, which often times is through the structure of your home. This can cause the wood in your house to rot and become a breeding ground for mold. To avoid household problems, just take the time to clean out your gutters. It’s really not that bad. If you really hate cleaning your gutters, install gutter guards to avoid ever having to do it again!
2. Clean the fireplace & chimney
If you’re looking forward to enjoying a nice, warm fire when it starts cooling down outside (and who’s not?), then make sure you get your fireplace and chimney inspected. It only takes a little bit of buildup inside a chimney to cause a fire. Having a professional check it out and clean it if necessary is inexpensive and can save your home from a house fire.
3. Give your heating system a check up
It is recommended you have your HVAC system checked at least once a year to make sure everything is working properly and efficiently. The fall is a good time to have this check up to make sure your heating doesn’t go out during the winter months. I don’t think you want to come home from work one day to find your kids building a snowman in your living room. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of walking into a warm house after being out in the cold?
4. Clean those carpets
I know, another dreaded chore. Even though this one isn’t exactly necessary, there’s no better time to do it than right before fall. The amount of foot traffic coming in and out of your house decreases in the fall, making it the perfect time to scrub out all of those dirty spots!
5. Check the house for drafts
If you’re looking to easily save some money this fall and upcoming winter, then checking for drafts around the house is one option. Drafts let out your home’s heat, making your HVAC work that much harder to keep your house warm. Sealing any leaks you may find can help you save a couple of bucks this fall that can go toward other important things, like hot chocolate! Mmmm…
6. Fertilize the lawn
One of the most important times to fertilize your lawn is right before the fall. Fertilizing your yard at this time promotes deeper root growth, which will help your grass make it through the winter months. It also helps your grass become full and green again earlier in the spring!
7. Check your roof for cracks
Though this should be done often, checking the roof for cracks right before fall is a good idea because the nights will start to get cool enough for water to freeze. Any water left in cracks on your roof can freeze and expand the cracks even more, allowing water into your home. Water damage is a serious problem, so you want to be sure your home is protected!
