As the weather turns, a little preparation keeps your home warm, dry, and efficient through the cold months. These are the jobs that quietly prevent the expensive surprises of winter.
Seal the drafts
Warm air escapes through small gaps. Add or replace weatherstripping on doors and windows, and run a bead of caulk around any gap you can feel a breeze through. It is the cheapest way to lower a heating bill.
Protect the water
Frozen pipes are one of the costliest winter failures. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes in the garage or basement, and know where your main water shutoff is before you need it.
Ready the heat
Replace the furnace filter, clear anything stored near the furnace, and if you have not had the system checked in a couple of years, book a tune-up before the first cold snap.
Fall checklist
- Replace the furnace filter
- Weatherstrip doors and windows
- Caulk gaps around windows
- Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses
- Clean the gutters before the leaves fall
- Test smoke and CO alarms
Handy for fall prep
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Common questions
When should I do fall prep?
Aim for early autumn, before the first freeze. Sealing and heating jobs are far easier in mild weather.
Do I really need a furnace tune-up every year?
A quick annual check catches problems early and keeps the system efficient, though every two years is acceptable for a newer unit.
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