“And all at once, Summer collapsed into Fall…” Oscar Wilde.
Ready for it or not, fall has arrived! As the days get shorter, the leaves fall and the temperature becomes more brisk, it’s time to get your house prepared for what’s in store over the next several months. The weather can change quickly and you don’t want to be caught unprepared!
Summer Items Check the pool, BBQ and outdoor furniture and get it ready for colder months. Properly clean, do maintenance and store these items so you can safely enjoy them next year.
Check Windows and Doors for Leaks Inspect the weather-stripping around your window and door frames and replace the stripping where necessary. Check for caulk and drafts both inside and outside.
Furnace Checkup Make sure that your furnace is in good condition before fall kicks in. Who wants a furnace malfunctioning in the middle of a cold snap?
Purchase a Programmable Thermostat Having a programmable thermostat is completely worth the investment, especially once the the weather cools down. If you set your thermostat back while you’re away during the day, you could save up to 10% on your air conditioning/heating bill each year. Many programmable thermostats can even be accessed from on your phone.
Clean Your Gutters Clear gutters play a critical role in your home, draining your water away from the roof of your house. Clogged gutters can freeze creating blockages in your home. Call a roofing professional to clean your gutters.
Inspect Your Fireplace, Roof and Chimney Roofs take a beating when the cold season sets in. Get a roofing professional to do a visual inspection of the roof and the attic insulation. Do you have enough insulation? Have any critters made nests in the chimney in the last year? Are bricks in good condition or worn? Are any vents missing caulking or have broken seals?
Check Smoke Detectors Twice a year test your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. Can you remember the last time you changed the batteries? If you can’t, do it now.
Reverse your Ceiling Fan During winter, warm air rises up to the ceiling fan while cool air will stay close to the ground. By flipping a switch and reversing your ceiling fan, cool air is forced up, and warmer air is pushed down.
Shut Off Outside Faucets All faucets that exit your home should have a shut-off valve located inside. Once the water is turned off inside, open the outside faucet to let it completely drain – otherwise water left behind could freeze and expand. A foam faucet cover offers an additional layer of protection to freeze-proof your faucet and pipes, make sure it’s secure! Insulate the pipe leading up to the faucet if you can.
Did you know? BC Hydro offers various types of rebates if you are looking at doing some upgrades to your property. Read more about BC Hydro’s Rebates & Free Programs