When it comes to home ownership, there is almost never a shortage of things to do. It really helps to get ahead of that list when you can. Now is a great time to prepare your home for fall.
Seal Leaks
Check your home for air leaks. Start with a visual inspection. You’ll want to check both inside and outside. Grab a stick of chalk before heading outside. Mark anywhere you see a gap or crack that needs a repair. Pay close attention to where the dryer vent comes out of your home, near the foundation and around doors and windows. Seal all these cracks and gaps with the appropriate material. You may need caulk, expanding foam, weatherstrip, etc.
As for the inside of your home, wait till a windy day. Shut all doors, windows, chimney flue, attic vent(s) and turn your HVAC system completely off. Light an incense stick and walk around the perimeter of every floor of your home. Watch for the smoke to be pulled/pushed. These are the areas you’ll need to seal.
Gutters
Clean out your gutters. Leaves and debris become heavy when wet and can compromise your gutter system. Add ice to the mix, and you may have a full blown disaster. Visually inspect where the gutter and the downspout meet to ensure they are properly connected.
Chimney ‘s
If there are any chimneys in your home, have them professionally cleaned. This can help to prevent house fires. Different types of wood create different amounts of creosote when burned. Creosote is highly flammable. Safety is of the utmost importance, so be sure to have this cleaning performed yearly.
Air Filters
Change out your air filters. (This should be done at least once every 3 months.) Dirty air filters cause your system to work harder than it would ordinarily have to. Not only will this wear the parts out faster, it will cost more to operate.
Heating System Tune Up
In order to maintain the efficiency of your heating system, have your heating system tuned up regularly. According to the US Department of Energy, “heating and cooling makes up 54% of the average energy costs for a household”. With that being said, maintaining your system will save you money on energy costs over the years.
During your tune-up, the technician will be checking your safety switches and looking for safety hazards. Cracks in the heat exchanger are one of these hazards. These cracks can be too small for the naked eye to see, but pose a very large threat when present. Carbon monoxide can escape these cracks and slowly start to fill your home.
Pre-Season Fall Tune-Up Special
Check out our blog for other great tips for the home!