Your Fall Home Prep Checklist Starts Now

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into fall and that school is back in action. Before fall fully arrives, here are the things to prioritize now.

1. Clean Out Your Vents and Filters

Just like your spring clean, give your dryer vents and HVAC filters some attention. Get it done now so the ick does not stay.


2. Handle Exterior Projects Before It Gets Cold

Paint the house, tackle roofing projects, and replace windows now, before the temperature drops. Once it gets too cold, these projects might need to be put on hold until spring.


3. Address Ice Damming Issues Now

If you had ice damming problems last winter, get a roofing company out now so it does not happen again. You may need heat coils installed.


4. Get Your Fireplace Cleaned and Inspected

Do this now before it gets cold out. Yes, fireplaces need to be cleaned. If you want to boost efficiency, consider getting an insert for your fireplace. It can save anywhere between 20 and 80 percent on your heating bill. Yes, that much. Whittus is my top recommendation for this, but clean it out first.


5. Schedule Your Annual Oil Cleaning

Schedule that annual cleaning with your oil company. Clean products mean more efficiency.


6. Close Down Summer Systems

Schedule dates to close your pool and shut down your outdoor irrigation systems.


7. Test Your Portable Generator

Make sure things are ready to go in case you lose power this season.


8. Get Your Trees Checked

Snow equals weight. Have a tree company come out now, even if your trees are not dead. You want to check that nothing needs to be cut back before winter arrives.

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