Is your home ready for fall – and the colder temperatures ahead? Here’s a home maintenance checklist to help make sure it’s prepped and ready to go.
Have you made that first switch of the thermostat from AC to heat yet? If not, it’ll happen soon. September is the perfect time to get your house ready for fall and winter. This includes making sure your heating system is going to keep you and your family nice and toasty in cold weather.
To make sure your heating system is running well and properly maintained, schedule an inspection and service for your HVAC with Action Air as soon as possible. In the meantime, take a look at these home maintenance tips for September:
- Check Outdoor Paint. Make sure your outdoor paint isn’t peeling or cracking, and is properly covering exterior surfaces. Peeling and cracking can allow moisture to penetrate behind the paint which can cause rotting and possible interior leaks. Caulk, prime, repair and re-paint any problem areas before it the cold temperatures of winter arrive.
- Keep It Sealed. If you can see outside or feel air coming in through any trim work, doors or windows, you’ll be losing heat (and spending more money) this winter. Inspect caulking, weather stripping and door transitions to determine where you need to create, fix or improve seals.
- Inspect Your Roof. Storms happen in the fall, too, so keep your eye out for damaged shingles and leaks. If you have access to your attic, use a flashlight and canvass the area underneath your roof during or just after a rainstorm to see if any water is leaking into your home. Clear away leaves and other debris on a regular basis – they can cause water or snow buildup which can cause further damage. Also, look for loose or damaged flashing and missing mortar. Pay special attention around the chimney, where leaks are the most common.
- Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney. Before you light that first fire in the fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to inspect both the fireplace and chimney,and clean both as needed. Look for a chimney sweep that’s certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and if possible, a Fireplace Investigation, Repair, and Education (F.I.R.E.) Certified Inspector. You should have a fireplace inspections done every year, and especially when moving into a new home.
- Trim Tree Limbs. Overgrown tree limbs can be fire hazards and can cause chimney and roof damage during inclement weather. Make sure you have at least ten feet of clearance around all sides of the chimney flue. Trim any branches growing near your roof, especially dead branches that overhang it. Not only are dead branches more flammable than live ones, but they’re also more likely to fall in a wind or snow storm and cause considerable damage to your roof, chimney, and gutters.
- Winterize Outdoor Furniture.When it’s time to move that patio furniture indoors, a little extra care now will go a long way next spring. Even if your lawn and patio furniture can safely stay outside all year long, there are steps you can take to help protect them. If you have plastic, vinyl, or synthetic wicker furniture, simply wash them down with some soapy water and a garden hose, and make sure they’re dry if you plan on covering them. If your furniture is metal, wood or natural wicker, you’ll need to consult with the manufacturer for specific maintenance requirements. Some materials need to be protected from extreme temperatures and regular moisture in a dry and warmer storage shed or other structure.
- Inspect Fire Extinguishers. Every home should be equipped with several ABC-rated fire extinguishersthat are within easy reach – especially around your fireplace and kitchen stove. Inspect your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re ready in case you need them, checking to make sure they’re not only visible and easily accessible, but in good condition. Pay attention to expiration dates, make sure everyone in your family knows how to use them.
Good luck with your home maintenance projects this month. To find out more about Action Air products and services, visit us on our home page. And call now to get your HVAC system serviced and ready for fall and winter.
