Check for Air Leaks
Take time to check your home for potential cold air leaks now while the weather is good, and fix them. Checking for areas where cool air can enter the home is a great start. On the inside of your home, the most likely leaks are around windows and doors. Check for areas where light can enter around a door frame, or feel around doors and windows from the outside of your home for the cool AC air leaking out. You can also place a sheet of paper in the cracks of doors and close them, if the paper slides easily back and forth the weatherstripping may need to be replaced.
Additionally, walk around the exterior of your home looking for cracks, and holes near windows and doors, or where network or power wires enter your home. Sealing these cracks with an exterior caulk during the summer months allows them to dry and set well before the cool winter moisture sets in.
Clear the gutters
No one enjoys this job, but it is a task that is well worth the effort. Between the summer rains, and dirt, quite a bit of build up can happen in your gutters in just a few months. Take the time to check that your gutters are clear and clean so that the freeze/thaw weather in the season ahead doesn’t end up costing you in exterior home repairs. While you are up there, be sure to check your roof for any storm damage, or missing shingles, vents, etc. that need to be replaced before winter as well.
Prepare for Heat
Paint
Clean the windows
Create a mudroom area
Both autumn and winter bring the return of mud and muck tracking into your home. Take the time to create a dedicated entrance area with an indoor-outdoor rug to protect your floor, and possibly a bench or seat to sit and remove shoes before tracking them further into the house. Adding a few hooks or a coat rack in that area would create a great place to transition from being outdoors, while keeping the rest of your home relatively clean and dry.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Retire your Outdoor Living Space
Protect your patio or deck by sweeping away the dust and debris that summer has delivered, and check for any cracks, holes, or chipping paint that may need to be repaired. As summer humidity fades away, this is the perfect time to fill in any gaps or touch up paint chips as the weather is still warm enough to dry it quickly.
Lastly, take a bit of time to clear away any overgrown vegetation near your home, particularly vines that may be intruding on your exterior. Trimming away excess leaves and vines will reduce the amount of debris that is present in your outdoor space once the wet winter weather arrives. Take a moment to freshen up and clean your gardening tools as well, this will make transitioning back in to Spring gardening a much easier task.
Home Safety Check
Now is also a great time to do a quick swap of the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While an easy way to remember to do this is around daylight savings time, it is good to replace the batteries at least every six months to make sure your home remains safe and protected.
Now that you are done with your fall checklist, kick back, cuddle under a blanket while sipping something warm, and enjoy your cozy home this Autumn.
