As summer fades and we make our way into the colder months, it’s important to put our homes in order for what’s to come. Whether it’s standard home maintenance or once-a-year projects, the list of fall and winter chores might get a little long if not started early on. To help you stay caught up on these household tasks, here are a few home preparation tips to take care of before the days get too short — or too cold.
Clean the Gutters
First and foremost, it’s essential to clear away all the tree leaves and other debris from your gutters. If left unaddressed, clogs can form and possibly lead to big problems — including mold and water damage. Simply grab a sturdy ladder and protective gloves on a sunny day and get to work. Your garden hose could also be a big help for dislodging debris and rinsing the piping.
While cleaning, inspect the roof, siding, gutters, awnings and downspouts for any needed repairs. Make sure to complete this chore at least twice before the snow hits to avoid problems in winter and spring. If this task is a major pain, consider installing gutter guards to make it easier going forward.
Prepare Your Decking and Outdoor Spaces
If snow is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pack up your outdoor furniture. Heavy winds and snow could damage your deck or patio equipment, so your best bet is to store everything you can out of the elements and sheltered from threatening weather. Then, take steps to maintain and protect the features you can’t store. A wooden deck, for instance, can be better prepared for winter with a fresh coat of stain. Remember to check the forecast for rain first and remove any filth before applying.
It may also be the time to drain and pack up your sprinklers and hoses. Make sure these are dry, hung and stored somewhere safe to preserve durability. If where you live gets really cold, you may also want to insulate and cover the spigot or faucet for your outdoor hoses.
Tend to the Garden
Of course, before you put away the garden hose, the yard needs its fair share of winter prepping. In autumn, it’s important to pull weeds, cut back overgrowth and clean up any flower beds for the health of the garden. Similarly, the lawn should be given one last mow, be weeded and fed, as well as watered if there wasn’t a lot of rain. It’s also a great time to plant certain bulbs. Watch tulips, daffodils and hyacinths blossom in the early months of spring for end-of-season cheer and a colorful garden to love all year.
Perform a Furnace Checkup
Moving inside, a big chore to do before it’s time to turn up the heater is to check on the furnace. While it may be off-putting to think of cold, snowy days, it’s crucial to have the heating system up and running well beforehand. Otherwise, you run the risk of no heat and a potentially long wait for qualified service.
Be sure to change the filter, inspect the system closely and test it by turning it on for a few minutes. Listen for any loud, unfamiliar noises and take heed of foul smells. If anything is out of order, make an appointment with a technician ASAP. If the house is older, it’s a great idea to schedule professional checkups every year to keep the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems operating as they should.
Stock Up on the Essentials
Last but not least, double-check you have all the winter supplies you’ll need before the weather hits. From ice melt and snow shovels to windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze, you’ll want to make sure the house is well stocked, and all the snow tools are in good working order.
Don’t let the stress of preparing your home for fall and winter get you down. If motivated, you could get it all done in a weekend and spend your time enjoying the last beautiful days of summer and fall.
Author bio: Dave Cook is the official spokesperson for Feldco and has been with the company for more than 20 years. He has served many roles and has been pivotal in Feldco’s growth and expansion. Cook is a home improvement expert and loves helping people transform their homes.
