There’s a certain magic in the air as summer fades and fall takes the stage. The aroma of pumpkin spice lattes, the rustling of golden leaves underfoot and the cozy embrace of chunky sweaters all signal the arrival of autumn. As you swap out sandals for boots and iced teas for hot cocoa, there’s another important transition — preparing your home for the cooler months ahead.
Just as you adjust your wardrobe and routines for this picturesque season, your home, too, needs a little TLC to face the chilly days and nights of fall. Here are eight essential tips to help you prepare your home for the fall weather.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters collect leaves, twigs and other debris more during fall. Keeping them clear ensures they effectively divert rainwater away from your home. A clean gutter also prevents water from spilling over the sides, safeguarding your home’s siding and foundation, and protecting against internal leaks. Water damage affects around 14,000 people in the United States daily, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance.
2. Store Outdoor Furniture
With dropping temperatures and shifting weather patterns, protecting your outdoor furniture is vital. Many furniture boasts designs to brave the elements, but continuous exposure can still cause wear and tear.
To extend the life of your furniture, store it in a garage, shed or basement. This simple step safeguards your investment, promising many more seasons of enjoyment. For those tight on storage, waterproof covers come to the rescue.
These protective layers defend your furniture against rain, snow and harmful UV rays, maintaining their fresh look. More importantly, they ward off mold growth, ensuring a healthy environment and saving potential refurbishing costs.
3. Seal Doors and Windows
Did you know gaps in your doors and windows can be a major culprit for heat loss? Windows alone account for a loss of 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy. Hence, effectively sealing doors and windows can significantly cut down on heating bills during the colder months.
Inspect your doors and windows for any gaps or cracks before the chill sets in. If you find any, seal them to lock in warmth and improve your energy efficiency.
For an added layer of protection, consider weather stripping. It can help minimize air leakage in and out of your home. You can also invest in energy-efficient windows and doors to reduce heat loss.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Smart home technology has elevated programmable thermostats to game changers for homeowners. On average, homes with smart thermostats trim $100 off their bills yearly. If you have yet to switch, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This investment rewards you with comfort and savings.
Heating and cooling innovation can extend beyond your home’s walls. If you like open-road adventures and own an RV, thermostat technology can elevate your travels, especially as autumn approaches. Have a professional check out your heating and cooling systems at least once a year to ensure nothing’s wrong before you go on a trip.
5. Inspect Your Furnace
Before the cold sets in, ensure your furnace is in top condition. Regular maintenance extends your furnace’s life span, but upgrading it can cut energy use by up to thirty percent. This guarantees not only a cozy home but also lower energy bills.
On average, properly maintaining your furnace saves homeowners between $135 to $480 in repair costs throughout its life. Plus, consistent check-ups ensure your furnace operates safely, minimizing the risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning.
6. Check Your Insulation
When you insulate your home properly, you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and significantly reduce energy costs. Heating and cooling typically comprise 55% of a home’s energy bill, but effective insulation can control this expense.
Insulation helps reduce outside noise and creates a healthier indoor environment. It also prevents moisture buildup, helping reduce the risk of mold growth.
Insulate key areas such as your attic, crawl space, basement, and exterior walls to keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter. This effort can lead to up to 20% savings on heating and cooling costs, and an 11% drop in overall energy expenses.
7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
While insulating your home is a cornerstone of energy conservation, your daily appliances also shape your energy bills. Over time, traditional devices can guzzle more power than they should. But there’s a solution — switch to energy-efficient appliances to enhance your home.
Seek out appliances that meet rigorous efficiency standards. Whether you’re considering a refrigerator, washing machine or oven, these advanced appliances use the least electricity possible. While you might have to invest more upfront in these energy-efficient appliances, they promise substantial long-term savings.
Households making the switch often enjoy a 10% to 50% reduction in power consumption for each appliance. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly choice. Embracing energy-efficient appliances can help you craft a comprehensive strategy for energy conservation, making your home eco-conscious and budget friendly.
8. Landscaping for Fall
When well-prepped, your home’s exterior and landscape can amplify its beauty and stand strong against seasonal elements. Trim your trees and shrubs now. Managing overgrown branches can shield your home and promote healthier plants. Focus especially on branches near your home or electrical wires.
Aerate your lawn to let essential elements like water, oxygen and nutrients reach the roots, preparing them for the upcoming winter. Ensure your home’s drainage system directs water away from the foundation, preserving its integrity. If your garden features an irrigation system, get it winter-ready. This step prevents pipes from freezing and sets them up for a seamless spring.
Fall-Proofing Your Sanctuary
There’s more to fall than fiery foliage or pumpkin-spiced treats. It’s all about creating a cozy, well-prepared home. Embracing fall’s beauty and ensuring your home is protected from the elements will help you craft an experience, not just prepare for a season.
Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
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