As the leaves change and the air takes on that delightful crispness, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle some home maintenance! With the cozy season ahead, there’s no better moment to ensure your home is safe and sound. Check out our top 5 essential tips to keep those costs down and enjoy a worry-free fall!
1. Test your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always come first! The beginning of a new season is a great reminder to test your alarms and replace any dead batteries.
Simply click the test button on your alarm and if it does not beep, it’s time to replace your batteries.
TIP: Along with having functioning smoke alarms and Co2 detectors, it is vital to make a fire escape plan with your loved ones. To get started, check out this planner: Home Fire Escape Plans
Did you know: To ensure proper function, alarms should be fully replaced every 10 years!
2. Replace Air Filters
Air filters on your heating, ventilation and AC system need to be changed every 1 – 3 months. A dirty filter will cause them to function poorly and, in the end, cost you more on energy. Along with this, a dirty filter can lead to a colder home that has poor air quality.
To be even more cozy and safe, purchase high quality air filters that are rated to remove mold, pollen and other microparticles. These are also great for people with allergies as they keep the air allergen-free.
Wondering how to find an air filter that best suites your lifestyle? Visit this guide: Furnace Filters: Choosing the Best Filter for Your Home
3. Find and Fix Drafts
A draft is a cold breeze that comes in through cracks or openings in your home. These can account for as much as 30% of heating and cooling expenses! That adds up fast.
Luckily this has an easy fix.
To identify drafts in your home, start by turning off your heating or air conditioning. Then, gently run your palm along the edges of your windows, doors, outlets, and seams where the walls meet the floor. If you detect a soft breeze or hear a whistling sound, you’ve found a draft!
TIP: Caulk from your local hardware store can quickly fill in any cracks that may be causing a draft.
To keep learning about how you can prevent and fix drafts this season, go to: How to Reduce Drafts in Your Home (8 ways)
4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
It is crucial for your home to have clean gutters so any rainwater can be effectively drained. Ignoring clogged gutters can lead to a build-up of debris and, in the long run, be expensive and damage your property. With the rainy Fall weather quickly approaching, ensure that your gutters stay clean and leave-free.
For more helpful information, here is a simple step by step guide on how you can clean your gutters with ease: How to Clean Gutters
5. Trim Trees
As storms, rain, and wind get harsher, dead branches tend to fall just as much as leaves. Homeowners often neglect cutting their branches, leaving the tree with an excess of dead weight. In the end, this leads to dead branches breaking and flying into your yard, windows or cars.
There are hundreds of tree trimming tools, and knowing which ones are worth the purchase may be overwhelming. To help you with this process, here are the 5 tools we believe to be essential for tree care: 5 Must-Have Tree Pruning Tools
