Valuable Info about This Year’s Fall Checklist
Given the option, only a few would volunteer to rake the yard or pull leaves out of a gutter. However, when a home is your biggest investment, maintaining it is a must. Fall is a great time to prepare your home in Anoka, Minnesota for winter.
Some of these tasks will only take you a few hours and could help you save energy as well as cut costs. It’s also imperative to hire an HVAC professional to ensure that your heating systems are functioning as required. Here is some valuable information about this year’s fall checklist.
Outside Your Home
Start by walking around the outside and check for cracks in the concrete. Check your roof for signs of broken or loose shingles.
Look at the chimney for any signs of wear. Do not forget the foundation and façade that may have signs of water pooling.
Gutters protect your foundation, siding, and roof from rainwater. Check to see if your gutters are clogged as this could lead to water infiltration or damage your roof. Clean the gutters regularly if your house is near trees.
Exterior paints add life and elegance to your home. Also, it protects the shingles from rot and water damage. Look for signs of chipping or peeling paint and add a fresh coat if needed.
Inside Your Home
Fall is a perfect time to check your heating and cooling systems for any signs of damage. If you haven’t changed the filters, this would be the time.
Clogged filters overwork the AC and it could also lead to increased energy costs. If you use steam heat, ensure that you drain your boiler to get rid of any sediment.
Check your pipes to ensure that there are no signs of leaks. If your ceilings have water stains, this could indicate a sign of a leak in the wall.
Check the faucets for drips. Do not forget the flapper in the tank of your toilet as a worn out flapper could make your toilet run more frequently.
Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths were in homes that had malfunctioned smoke detectors. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a change of batteries on your CO and smoke detectors annually.
Alternatively, invest in smart detectors that give voice alerts when there is smoke. These detectors are linked throughout your home.
Professional Services for Fall
If you’ve been reluctant to get your furnace inspected, fall is an awesome time to schedule that service with a professional plumbing expert.
An expert can check and replace your air filters as well as test your thermostat to ensure that it’s working properly. A clean system saves you energy and gives you the peace of mind.
A heating specialist can help check your boiler and radiator to ensure that the valves are functioning as expected.
If you’re planning to paint the exterior of your house or make changes to your indoor plumbing. The temperature is moderate and most plumbing contractors have wrapped up their projects.