There are so many things to love about the Fall: crisp mornings, leaves changing colors, sweater weather, and of course pumpkin spice. But don’t get too caught up in the season to prep your house for the changing weather! Here are just a few things to get done as the temperatures start to fall.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are amazing and so helpful… as long as they are working. Between the dirt and leaves, they can get clogged fast, so check on your gutters! Clogged gutters can cause lots of damage to your house, so clean them out. And look out for signs that they need to be replaced, cracking, peeling, falling off of your roof. The occasional check on your gutter can save you from a big headache, especially in the fall!

Check for Air Leaks

Keeping your house warm is already a constant (and expensive) battle when the temperatures drop so fast. Do yourself a favor, and check for air leaks before it gets too cold. The leaks can keep your house from staying properly insulated, letting in cool air that hits your pocketbook hard and chills your home. Check your windows and doors around the seams for a draft. If you find that cool air is getting in, replacing the weather stripping, or even checking to see if a few windows may need to be replaced can save you a lot of money (and some shivering) in the long run.

Drain Hoses

This one is so easy and essential! Draining your hoses keeps them functioning and it can save you from bursting a pipe in the winter cold. Just disconnect your hoses and let the water run out of them before storing them for the winter. If you want to go above and beyond, turn off the exterior water to you house to make sure you don’t have any risk of these pipes freezing.

Inspect Your Roof

A leaky roof can really dampen your mood, and it can dampen the inside of your home. Checking your roof for damaged or broken shingles, cracks, and wind damage can help you catch or prevent leaking. If you are worried about your roof or it is already leaking, it is always a good idea to have a professional look at.

Prep Your Lawn

It may sound strange but prepping your lawn for winter is essential to keeping it healthy for spring. Fertilizing it before the winter comes, raking your leaves, and aerating it will keep it happy and ready for the winter. Professional lawn care services are a great option to make sure your lawn is ready for the cold.

Prep Your Furnace

A working furnace is so essential for the cold winter, so make sure it is working before it gets cold! Before the cold comes, make sure to replace your furnace filter (it should be replaced regularly). It’s always a good idea to have your furnace checked on by a professional, especially if you notice any issues like noisy belts or poor performance.