Shorter days and cooler nights are here. You may have already broken out the sweaters and pumpkin-spice lattes, which means it is time to prep your home for the Fall season. Get started by taking inventory and creating an eco-friendly fall maintenance checklist.
- Inspect your roof. Be sure to replace missing, worn, loose, or mildewed shingles.
- Prepare your fireplace for the cool weather. Have your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected by a professional each year.
- Secure doors and windows. Reduce air leaks by weather stripping or caulking the doors and windows of your home.
- Schedule an HVAC system checkup. These checkups will normally include a carbon monoxide test and will examine the heat output of your unit.
- Clean gutters and debris. Clear leaves, twigs, and other items around the exterior of your home and in your gutters before the bulk of the leaves start to fall.
- Test your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can last up to 10 years, while carbon monoxide detectors last about six.
- Fertilize your lawn. Apply fertilizer to your grass in the fall to prevent winter damage. You can also use compost you’ve made yourself from the yard and kitchen scraps.
- Weatherproof your outdoor furniture. You can protect your furniture by placing it under a covered patio or underneath a sturdy waterproof cover to ensure it looks just as good as it did when you first bought it.
- Choose a clean electricity plan. You’ll be doing the planet a favor by choosing to power your home with 100% clean energy.