Prepare Your Home Now to Help Protect It Later

While it may not feel it today, it won’t be long before the air is crisp, and the mountain becomes a beautiful view of fall colors. 

While the past few months have thrown many changes our way, one of the positives is getting to spend more time around the house.  Many of us were able to get so much done this spring and summer and fall should be no different when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. 

As much as we don’t want to rush into it, winter is right around the corner.  Those warm autumn days prove to be a great setting to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead.  Taking the time to check a few things off your maintenance list now may help identity or prevent problems you could face in the upcoming months.  

Here are some items to add to your fall to-do list:

• Just like taking your car to a mechanic for its annual inspection- you should also make an appointment to have your heating system & furnace serviced.  
• Clean your gutters.  You want to avoid any leaf or debris build-up which would restrict proper flow.  This is also a good time to check for any damage or lose gutters or spouts.
• Check the caulking around doorways and windows.  Making sure you have a fresh seal may help prevent water leaks or drafts.
• Clean your dryer beyond the lint tray.  Be sure to clean the exhaust duct as well as under and behind the drier.  FEMA reported over 2,900 clothes dryer fires last year and over 34% were due to the dryer not being properly cleaned.  
• Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  They save lives!  Be sure to have a smoke detector in each bedroom or as well as a carbon monoxide detector in sleeping areas and hallway as well as on each floor of your home including your basement.  We suggest testing them monthly and changing the batteries annually as well.  

The steps you take now can help protect your home and property from the harsh winter months ahead as well as the potential for emergency repairs in the colder months to come.