8 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Fall During Summer

As the days of summer start to shorten and the air begins to chill, it is time to shift our focus from beach outings and backyard BBQs to preparing our homes for the crisp days of fall. Tackling home maintenance tasks during the summer can be a strategic way to ensure that your home is ready for the cooler months ahead. Here are essential steps to prepare your home for fall, while still enjoying the warmth of summer.

Inspect Your Heating System

Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your heating system is in top working order. Schedule a professional inspection and servicing to ensure that your heating system is efficient and safe. Change or clean filters, if needed, and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to save energy.

• Schedule a professional inspection and servicing.
• Change or clean filters, if needed.
• If you have a chimney, get it cleaned and inspected to prevent chimney fires.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause water damage and ice dams, so remove leaves and debris from gutters and position downspouts away from your home’s foundation. Check for leaks and repair them to avoid further issues. Consider installing gutter guards to make future cleaning easier.

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters.
• Position downspouts away from your home’s foundation.
• Check for leaks and repair them to avoid further issues.

Check for Drafts

Prepare your home by checking Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal drafts, and install door sweeps on the bottom of drafty doors. Consider installing storm windows for added insulation and energy efficiency.

• Use weather stripping or caulk to seal drafts.
• Install door sweeps on the bottom of drafty doors.
• Consider installing storm windows for added insulation.

Prepare Your Garden

Your garden needs attention before you can relax into autumn’s embrace. Prune dead or dying branches from trees, and plant fall flowers like mums and marigolds. Mulch your flower beds to protect them from the cold, and consider installing a drip irrigation system to conserve water.

• Prune dead or dying branches from trees.
• Plant fall flowers like mums and marigolds.
• Mulch your flower beds to protect them from the cold.

Service Your Lawn Equipment

Don’t forget about your lawn care tools that need seasonal maintenance. Empty the gas from your lawnmower or add a stabilizer, and sharpen the blades so they’re ready for next spring. Store all equipment in a dry, secure place to protect it from the elements.

• Empty the gas from your lawnmower or add a stabilizer.
• Sharpen the blades so they’re ready for next spring.
• Store all equipment in a dry, secure place.

Inspect Roofing

The last thing you want during fall is a leaky roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles, and check for signs of wear around vents and chimneys. Consider a professional inspection if you’re unsure, and make repairs before the weather gets worse.

• Look for missing or damaged shingles.
• Check for signs of wear around vents and chimneys.
• Consider a professional inspection if you’re unsure.

Protect Outdoor Furniture

Summer sun can fade and damage outdoor furniture even into fall. Cover furniture with waterproof covers, and store cushions inside to avoid moisture buildup. Clean and touch up any rust spots or chipped paint to keep your furniture looking its best.

• Cover furniture with waterproof covers.
• Store cushions inside to avoid moisture buildup.
• Clean and touch up any rust spots or chipped paint.

Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety should always be a priority. Test each detector to ensure proper functioning, and replace batteries as necessary. Make sure you have at least one detector per floor, and consider installing smart detectors that can alert you to potential dangers even when you’re not home.

• Test each detector to ensure proper functioning.
• Replace batteries as necessary.
• Make sure you have at least one detector per floor.

By taking these proactive steps during summer, you are not just preparing your home for fall; you’re also ensuring a safer and more comfortable season. Enjoy the rest of your summer with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is ready for whatever fall brings.

Contact Us

As your new home addition begins to come together, remember Keith Lawson Services for all of your air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs. Our mini split systems are perfect for new home additions!

Keith Lawson Services is an American Standard Customer Care Dealer having served the Tallahassee area for more than 44 years. We have the tools and expertise to take care of all your plumbing and HVAC needs!

Give us a call at 850-562-2600 or email us at info@keithlawson.com. We’re available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Follow us on Facebook for more helpful home tips!