How to Prepare Your Home for Fall
There’s something special about the start of fall. As the nights get longer and everything begins to taste like pumpkin spice, there are a few things you should do to prepare your home for the start of the season. While we wish it were as easy as putting a wreath on the door and an apple scented candle on the mantle, unfortunately it is not. There are a number of things you should do during milder weather to prepare for the harsh seasons to come. We’re lucky to live in Southern California where our winters are mild, but even then, there are important things you can do to prepare your home for fall.
Inspect Your Roof
While we don’t see any snow or extreme weather down here, we do see some rain. The winter is when Southern California receives most of its rain. Because of this, checking your roof, gutters, and downspouts are an important part of preparing your home for fall. If you can, use a ladder to get up to your roof and take note of any shingles that are out of place or damaged. The last thing you want is any water leaking into your attic and causing damage. While you’re up there, take note of the condition of your roof gutters and downspouts. If you feel comfortable and skilled enough, clean them yourself. If you feel more comfortable calling someone in, schedule an appointment. Or, if you see a Service Champions technician on your roof, ask them! It’s just a part of Plumbing, Heating, AC, and Good Deeds For Free.
Weather Seal Your Windows
An average home can lose between 25% and 30% of their treated air through unsealed or drafty windows. One of the best ways to prepare your home for fall is to visually inspect your windows and window frames. If your home is losing treated air through unsealed or holey windows, it forces your HVAC system to work harder, which is more expensive than it sounds, especially when it comes to utility bills. The best way to check cracks and gaps in your windows and window frames is to do a quick visual inspection. If there is a spot where some seal is coming up or the seal has worn off, you can fix it yourself by adding a weather strip. If your job is too big for an at home fix, or you simply don’t want to, call a local window company and they can patch it up for you.
Check Your Batteries and Insulation
An essential part of fall preparation is safety. The best way to keep you, and your family safe is to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detector(s). Even if you think you’ve replaced the batteries recently, a quick test never hurts. Additionally, it’s important to check any insulated pipes or lines on the exterior of your house. For example, the refrigerant line in your outdoor condenser unit should always have proper insulation around it. This ensures the safety of your equipment from harsh winter conditions.
It’s Never Too Early for a Tune-Up
Perhaps the best thing you can do to prepare your home for fall is to schedule a furnace tune-up. After a season of lying dormant, it’s important to ensure your system is ready for the fall and winter seasons. During our 18-point tune-up and professional cleaning, a certified HVAC technician will test your system for leaks, damages, and any repairs that may need to be made. During this time, we will also replace your air filter. After a season of use with your air conditioner, it is definitely time to replace your filter.
Prepare your Home for Fall with Service Champions
Are you ready for your furnace tune-up? Then it’s time to give Service Champions a call! Our expert HVAC technicians are ready to tune-up, clean, and if needed, repair your furnace and get it ready for the coming seasons. We proudly serve parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside county. To meet your HVAC expert, call the number at the bottom of the screen, or click here to request an appointment online.