How to Get Your Home Ready For Fall

Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to spend way too much money on pumpkins, pull all your favorite sweaters out of storage AND prep your home for colder weather. If you’re not sure how to get your home winter-ready, that’s okay. You’re certainly not alone, but this is the year we’re going to get you hooked on my checklist for getting your home ready for fall. These are the items I recommend doing each year. They keep your home safe, make it easier for future buyers to know that big ticket items like your furnace have been well-maintained and will give you peace of mind.

Now go get a pen and start checking things off the list!

How To Get Your Home Ready For Fall

Inspect the Furnace

This is important to do each year, and the first step is to change the furnace filters. There are also several local companies that offer a seasonal maintenance plan where they come to inspect the furnace unit in the fall and air conditioner in the spring. Not only does this help keep your HVAC unit running longer, but it can help address repair items now rather than when it's below freezing and you have no heat.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide leaks are most common in the fall and winter months as our furnaces are running full blast. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by replacing batteries and testing the equipment.

Inspect Fireplace

You probably haven’t used your fireplace since last year, so before using it for the first time this season, a fireplace inspection is necessary. While you can check it yourself, you may want to hire a professional to inspect the whole system for an average fee of $75.

Check Insulation

Ensuring your home is insulated properly is important. It ensures you stay plenty warm this winter, but it can also help you save money on your utility bill during any season. Before the weather gets too cold, check your attic for sufficient insulation. Since heat rises, if your attic is not properly insulated, you could lose heat and waste money this winter.

Check for Drafts around Windows and Doors

Checking doors and windows is another great way to ensure you’re not wasting energy or hindering your comfort this season. Check doors and windows for drafts, cracks, openings or signs of deterioration. Use caulk where applicable, or replace doors and windows that might be too far gone.