Autumn Ready: Six Steps to Get your Home Prepared for Colder Weather

Autumn is a great time to get your home ready for winter. There is plenty of time between hayrides and football games to get everything in order. Here are six simple steps that will ensure you’re prepared for winter.

Clean and Put Away Patio Furniture

Cleaning your outdoor furniture and storing it out of the weather will add many years to its life. Be sure to follow the cleaning instructions on the cushion labels. This is also the time to take care of any dings and scratches that could lead to corrosion on the frames of your patio furniture.

Check the Weatherstripping in your Doors and Windows

Most heat loss occurs through leaky doors and windows, so be sure to check these before you fire up your furnace for the first time. Tearing out old weatherstripping and installing new is one of the simplest things that you can do to reduce heat loss and save money on your heating bill.

Check the Trees Around your House for Dead or Damaged Limbs

Dead and damaged limbs are bound to fall during ice storms and heavy snow. Don’t let a snow storm turn into an emergency when a dead limb takes out the power line to your house. Check your trees and trim any dead or damaged limbs.

Have your Furnace Serviced in Early Autumn

Don’t put it off until the weather turns cold and you really need your furnace, or you might find yourself on a long waiting list. Do yourself, and the service technicians, a favor and schedule your annual furnace service early.

Mind your Garden Hoses and Sprinklers

Drain your garden hoses and bring them in before they have a chance to freeze. Even if your hose don’t freeze solid and burst, the cold weather will allow cracks to develop in the plastic and rubber. If you have a sprinkler system, this is the time to have it winterized as well.

Clean your Gutters

Nobody likes to do it, but cleaning your gutters will prevent many cold-weather headaches. Clogged gutters and downspouts prevent water from draining away from your house, which leads to wet basements, roof leaks and all sorts of nasty surprises.

Take advantage of a pleasant autumn afternoon to look after these tasks. A job well-done and the knowledge that you are prepared for winter will make that hot cider taste even better!