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As the warm days of summer gradually give way to the crisp and cozy embrace of fall, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the changing season. The transition from summer to fall brings with it a list of essential tasks to ensure your home remains comfortable and well-maintained throughout the colder months. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready:
1. Clean (or Possibly Replace) Your Gutters
Fall is notorious for shedding leaves, and those leaves have a tendency to find home inside your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, so it's essential to clean them out. If your gutters are old and damaged, consider replacing them to ensure proper drainage. This one task can prevent headaches down the road.
2. Maintain Paths and Walkways
As the days grow shorter, you'll want to ensure that your paths and walkways are well-lit and safe to navigate, especially in the evenings. Check for any loose pavers or stones that might pose a tripping hazard, and consider installing outdoor lighting to guide your way.
3. Prep Your Landscape (Fertilize Your Lawn)
Before the first frost arrives, give your lawn a little extra love. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps strengthen the roots and provides essential nutrients for a healthy start next spring. A little effort now can lead to a lush and vibrant yard in the coming year.
4. Freeze-Proof Exterior Faucets
Don't let freezing temperatures catch you off guard. Prevent burst pipes by disconnecting and draining your exterior faucets. Consider installing freeze-proof faucets if you haven't already – they're designed to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
5. Check for Drafts
A drafty home can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills during fall and winter. Walk around your home and identify any drafts around windows and doors. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk can make a noticeable difference in your home's warmth and energy efficiency.
6. Clean Your Filters
Whether it's your HVAC system, range hood, or dryer vents, cleaning or replacing filters is essential for maintaining indoor air quality and proper equipment function. Clogged filters can strain your systems and even pose a fire hazard in some cases.
Shop all our filters here.
7. Test Winter Equipment
Before the cold weather sets in, take some time to test your winter equipment. Check your snow blower, shovels, and ice melt supplies. Making sure everything is in working order now will save you from scrambling when the first snowfall arrives.
(Psst.. Did you know our Godwin Ada location will service and repair your yard equipment? See all their services and schedule a time with them today!)
8. Change Your Batteries
With daylight saving time ending, it's the perfect reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These small devices play a crucial role in keeping your home safe, so make it a habit to replace their batteries at least twice a year.
9. Get Your Heating System Serviced
Your heating system has likely been inactive during the warmer months. Before you need it, have your heating system serviced by a professional. A well-maintained system will keep you warm throughout the fall and winter without any unexpected breakdowns. We strongly recommend scheduling regular maintenance tune-ups with a licensed HVAC technician at Godwin Plumbing to ensure your HVAC unit remains in top condition. We will inspect, clean, and tune your system to identify and address any potential issues before they turn into major problems. During a maintenance visit, our technician will perform a comprehensive system evaluation. Taking a proactive approach can enhance efficiency, extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit, and save you from unexpected breakdowns.
By taking the time to complete these fall home prep tasks, you'll ensure a smooth transition into the colder months. Not only will your home be ready to face the changing weather, but you'll also enjoy a more comfortable and efficient living space. So grab your checklist and get started – your future self will thank you!
GODWIN HARDWARE & PLUMBING
3703 S Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Phone: (616) 243-3131