Fall is in the air… as your family settles into a busy schedule of work, school, and extracurricular, activities, nature is changing too.
For those who live in Florida like we do, fall is a much slower and much shorter season than it is in northern states. While our northern friends are enjoying frosty mornings, apple picking, and changing leaves, we are eagerly waiting for temperatures to drop below the 90s.
Whether the fall has brought cool temperatures or not, here are some steps homeowners should take to ready their homes for the upcoming winter.
1. Service your HVAC
Schedule a maintenance appointment for your heating system and chimney. Make sure your heat sources are clean and safely working before you need them.
2. Conduct an energy audit
This audit will show you the efficiency of your home’s energy and show you how you can improve it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, making the changes suggested in an energy audit can save 5 to 30 percent on the monthly energy bill. Check with your utility company to see if they offer free or discounted audits before hiring an outside company.
3. Roof inspection
Check your roof, drainpipes, and gutters clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. Check your yard for potential hazard-causing branches and leaves and remove them. Gutter guards are a nice feature that’s easily added to prevent leaves from clogging your gutters.
4. Organize your storage and utility spaces.
Tidiness can often get lost in summer fun and fall is a great time to sort through your junk drawers and closets. Create room for backpacks, school projects, jackets, and boots. Purchase shelves and baskets for loose odds and ends. Avoid massive clutter and help your future searches by organizing now.
5. Decorate
Decorating is always fun and adds a special touch to the home. Set out your scarecrows and pumpkins outside and hang some wreaths. Use harvest corn and other natural decorations for your tables and cabinets. Set out fall candles and let apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, or other fall scents warm your home. Enjoy!
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