It may seem like a hassle to spend your weekend doing DIY home maintenance, but setting aside a few hours when the seasons are changing can not only help to protect your home, it can reduce your energy and repair bills as well, after cranking up the heating system.
Don’t be daunted by DIY either. With a little guidance and planning, even the most novice DIY homeowner can take on these tasks successfully. Here is what you should know this fall to take good care of your home.
Outdoor DIY
The key to an energy efficient home is to make sure that it is airtight. That means that you’ve got to inspect all of your windows and doors. If there are any cracks in the seal, re-caulk. For doors, consider applying weather-stripping to remove any gaps under doorways.
Rake and bag leafs. Leaving a layer of wet leaves on your lawn over the winter will promote mold growth and give pests a place to grown. Clean out your gutters from debris. Wrap bushes to protect against frost, which you will encounter during the winter in Erlanger, KY. Trim any branches that might pose a risk to your home in a winter storm.
Trim any branches that might pose a risk to your home in a winter storm. Clean your patio furniture and store away for the season. Remove and store hoses. Close the valve from the hose to the house.
Indoor DIY
Drain your water heater to reduce sediment, which can cause your tank to rust prematurely. Inspect plumbing all around your home for leaks. Look at the hoses for your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker for your fridge, which will decay over time and eventually need to be replaced.
Head up to your attic and make sure that the insulation is in place. It can be displaced by high winds. Push it back in place with a broom.
In the garage, store away lawn care equipment. Ensure that the garage door is tightly sealed, as this is another notorious spot for heat loss out of your home.
Call for Professional Help
Schedule a tune-up for your furnace before the cold weather hits. Changing the filter and having the system serviced will improve its energy efficiency. This small act will also give you peace of mind, because you’ll be able to count on staying warm all winter long.
When is the last time you had your ducts cleaned? The fall is a good time to get this job done. This can also help with energy efficiency and improves the air quality indoors.
If you’ve got a wood-burning fireplace, call the chimney sweep, and ensure that the damper closes tightly.