As much as we may want to savor every last drop of summer, the crisp mornings, shorter days, and slowly changing leaves make it abundantly clear that fall is just around the corner. And you know what that means – football, tailgates, pumpkins, and getting your home ready for sweater weather. Ok, maybe that last part doesn’t sound all that exciting, but it’s important nonetheless.
Read on to discover how to give your home the TLC is needs in preparation for the cooler months ahead.
Get ready to deep clean. Fall is the perfect time to clean those spots we tend to ignore, like dusting under furniture, washing the windows, and thinning out the closets. If carpet cleaning is on your to-do list, don’t forget to spot-test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to prevent discoloration.
Switch to high-efficiency lightbulbs. Reduce energy consumption and save money while illuminating your home by replacing your incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs. Sure, they cost a bit more up front but will last substantially longer, paying for themselves in no time.
Touch up the exterior. Conduct a visual inspection of your home’s exterior, including siding, deck, fence, and driveway. Look for any areas that need refinishing, painting, sealing, or general repair.
Seal gaps around windows and exterior doors. This one simple task can eliminate energy-wasting drafts, saving you money on heating costs and making your home more comfortable. Be sure to remove all existing caulk so you are working with a clean surface.
Replace your furnace filter. A clean furnace filter improves air quality by removing dirt, dust, and allergens more effectively. It also helps maximize operating efficiency which helps the furnace last longer and reduces heating costs. Most filters benefit from a filter change every eight weeks or so, or more often if you have pets that shed, excessive dust, or if someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma.
Check attic insulation. Proper insulation conserves energy by trapping heat in the winter, thereby taking a little pressure off your heating system. Be careful to avoid covering soffit vents which are vital for maintaining air flow in the attic.
Turn off the sprinklers once the ground freezes. Your grass still needs moisture even though the temperature has dropped. Some grasses, like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass experience growth in the fall and still need adequate water to maintain a healthy root system.
Call to schedule your annual heating inspection. “Now? But we’re still using our AC!” Scheduling this important service now means greater flexibility in picking an appointment day and time that’s convenient for you. During an annual inspection, one of our licensed technicians will check that all components are working safely and properly and troubleshoot any minor problems that, if ignored, could turn into costly repairs.
For annual preventive maintenance or any heating, cooling, or air quality need, contact the pros at Air Professionals. No one is better suited to keep your home comfort systems in tip-top shape. Contact us today for service or a new system proposal.