The fall season is beloved by many people for its cozy temps, beautiful colors, pumpkin-spiced lattes, fashion, and more. It’s the perfect season to prepare for the winter holidays.

However, it’s not just your gifts, parties, and vacations that you should be preparing for. Fall is also the best time to prepare your home for the different challenges and conditions that the cold winter season brings. 

Here are a few tips to help you get started: 

Check the furnace & heating system 

Having an efficient heating system is crucial during the winter. Regularly replacing your filters keeps it from getting clogged and allows it to run safely & efficiently. However, if you notice poor or erratic performance or noisy belts, it’s best to call a professional to inspect your heating system. 

Clean the gutters 

Fall is notorious for its falling leaves. So make sure to regularly clear your gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris. That way,  rain and melted snow can flow freely down and won’t clog your gutters and downspouts. 

And speaking of downspouts, make sure they face away from your home or foundation to prevent flooding and foundation damage. 

Identify hazards around your home 

It’s also a good idea to identify safety hazards around your home before the winter starts. For example, big trees with long branches can pose a safety risk due to heavy snow/ice loads or being knocked down by strong winds. 

 

Mulch flower beds 

We talk about this a lot on our blog & social media; the condition of the soil around your home can significantly affect your foundation. 

Adding hardwood mulch to your flower beds adds a layer of insulation to your soil and helps regulate changes in the soil’s temperature as the colder weather starts. 

Clean chimney 

The fall & winter seasons are perfect for cuddling near the fireplace and spending time with our favorite people. Make sure your chimney is clean and safe before using it during the colder months. 

Contact a professional to help you clean and inspect your chimney for built up soot, creosote, or even animal nests that can ignite and pose a safety hazard in your home. 

Prevent pipes from freezing 

Frozen pipes and plumbing are a nightmare to deal with and can cause further damage to other parts of your home, such as your foundation. 

To prevent your plumbing from freezing, you can use electrical heating tape to keep your pipes warm, seal cracks near your piping, and insulate pipes near your windows, doors, and unheated rooms.

You can also read our previous blog post about preventing frozen pipes to learn more. 

 

Prevent drafts from leaking through

Chilly air can seep through your doors and windows. Make sure to inspect them for cracks and leaks and reseal with appropriate caulk or weather stripping. 

 

Stock up on winter essentials

Aside from an emergency kit and an extra supply of food, you should also make sure you have the necessary winter equipment, such as: 

• - Snow shovel
• - Flashlights and batteries 
• - Ice scraper 
• - Ice melt 
• - Weather radio 

Preparing for the winter season is crucial if you want your home to keep you warm and comfortable during the colder months. If you need help inspecting your home for damage before winter rolls in, call the experts. 

Get a free estimate or call us at 980-250-2711.