Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter

The first day of fall has come and gone, which means colder weather is on its way. It’s now time to prep your home for the season change. Failure to do so can cost you thousands of dollars in property damage and utility costs – so make time in the coming weeks to carry out the following steps:

Fertilize your lawn

Autumn is the best time to fertilize your lawn in many areas. Fertilizing your lawn with a light application in early fall and again in late fall will keep it the healthiest. Before it’s too late to take care of soil in the winter, use a fertilizer made especially for winter months as your last treatment before spring. If able, it also helps to aerate your lawn in fall.

Weather strip windows and doors

To keep the house cozy and save on utility bills, weather strip your windows and doors. To find where you need to add stripping, look at where the light comes in through the windows and doors. You can also try blowing out a candle or lighting some incense to see where smoke escapes through the cracks. There are all different kinds of weather strip materials, so make sure you’re using best one for your windows or doors. Consider temperature changes, friction, weather, wear, and tear associated with your home’s location when deciding which weather strip to use.

Drain outdoor faucets

Residual water in your pipes can freeze and cause your pipes to burst. It’s important to drain them before temperatures drop. Here are the steps to prep your outdoor pipes:

1. Turn off your outdoor water faucets
2. Remove and store hoses
3. Shut off the water valve that feeds water to the outside faucets (these are often located in crawl spaces, basements, and garages)
4. Turn on the outside faucets to drain them completely of standing water
5. Remove the brass plug and let the faucets drain more, then replace it
6. Place and secure insulation over faucets and any outdoor pipes

Check on your furnace or water heater

Before winter begins and you really need your furnace or water heater to work, it’s smart to have them checked by a professional. A regular check-up will extend a water heater and furnace’s life, prevent carbon monoxide leaks, and prevent costly repairs in the middle of winter.