The summer is winding down, and we are happy to see the heat waves on their way out the door. As a part of saying goodbye to the summer, we want to make sure you are taking care of a few home maintenance tasks that will get your home ready for the next season.
This article will give you a few simple tasks that you can take care of, and a few you should hire a professional to help with. The truth is, there are a ton of different things you can do around your home to get ready for the fall, but these are a few that come to the top of our mind.
DIY Tasks
Here are some tasks that you can perform on your own. These are fairly easy, but sometimes go overlooked. If you don’t feel comfortable doing any of these things, be sure to ask a friend, a family member, or a service technician who can take care of some of this.
Put Away Patio Furniture
This is simple. Putting away your patio furniture protects it from harmful winter weather and helps keep it in good condition for summers ahead. If you want to use it during the fall, that’s totally fine. Just make sure to bring it in before it gets too cold out!
Clean Your Gutters
Over the summer, and during the fall, you are going to get leaves and sticks stuck in your gutters. This can weigh them down, and cause them to break apart. It can also prevent water from flowing properly away from your home and towards drains as intended.
A simple cleaning of your gutters will keep them from getting too heavy and breaking apart, and helps protect your home from water damage.
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system should be changed every 1-3 months. This helps keep the air clean in your home, and promotes better air flow from your HVAC system and throughout your home. We recommend keeping a few air filters on hand so you can easily swap them out when the time comes.
Clean The Dryer Vent
This is something that goes easily forgotten. Your dryer vents can accumulate dust and debris from your dryer. This builds up over time and prevents the hot air from escaping your dryer. Not only can this create a fire hazard, but it also hurts the performance of your dryer.
When the air can’t be exhausted, it actually prevents the clothes from drying, and makes them a bit more damp and smelly. Cleaning your dryer vent is simple, but you have to remember to do it every few months!
Check Batteries On Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detectors
The changing of the seasons is always a smart time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The batteries should be checked and tested for both. Especially going into the heating season when carbon monoxide can be a problem. This is an EASY task, but one that could save your life.
Hire A Professional
Here are some tasks that you should hire a professional for. Some of this ou could do on your own if you are handy, but some of it is better off left to the pros.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
This is definitely one that is best suited for a professional. Annual HVAC service is going to keep your heating and cooling systems in tip top shape for as long as possible. We recommend regular maintenance for your HVAC system at least once a year.
When you schedule regular maintenance, you:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system
- Improve indoor air quality
- Maintain your warranty
- Lower energy bills
- Ensure safe operation
Seal Leaks And Cracks In Your Windows
Now this is something you can do yourself if you are handy. Leaks and cracks in your windows and doors can lead to lost energy. These spots will allow air to escape, and cause your HVAC system to work harder in the winter and summer.
Sealing these spots is going to improve your comfort and your energy efficiency!
Improve Your Home Insulation
This is another task you could do on your own if you are handy, but it’s a little tougher. If you have poor insulation in your home, it’s going to lead to less efficient heating and cooling. Insulation prevents air from entering your home, or escaping it. It literally insulates your home from the weather outside.
If you have a poor insulation setup, it could be costing you money, and making your home less comfortable. A professional insulation installation will help you improve your home in the long run.
If you are in need of some help with your HVAC system, give John Cipollone Inc. a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online!
