Getting Ready for Autumn and Eventually, Frostier Times
The Halloween candy displays are already up at your local supermarket, and though it's still technically just the start of fall, it's time to turn your attention toward preparing for the change in the weather that is coming. Autumn means more wind, cooler temperatures, earlier nightfall, and many other things that can affect your home and your experience of living in it.So, rather than waiting for the mercury to dip and the sweater weather to kick up, why not get out in front of the coming change of seasons and prepare your home for fall to kick off. The time you put in now, preparing the grounds, maintaining key systems in your home, and cleaning in advance of sealing up the windows will inevitably pay off in the months to come.
Preparing the Grounds
Depending on where you live, fall weather can mean a variety of things, but regardless of where you live, there are a few certainties everyone can depend on. For starters, it will be cooler and the leaves on the trees surrounding your home will change color and descend upon your patio, lawn, walkways, and drive.While there's little you can do to prevent the falling of leaves, you can prepare your home by getting the gutters on your home all cleaned out. That way, you won't start the season behind already, with clogged gutters getting worse with every gust of wind.Also, consider getting a colder-weather garden in the ground now, while the sun is still shining. Depending again on where you live, now may be the perfect time to plant overwintering and cold weather plants that you can enjoy (and even harvest for your table) when the depths of winter are here.
All Systems Go?
Now, before you need them, is the perfect time to inspect and service your furnace and duct work. Get your filter(s) changed and make sure that all your connections are tight. Paying to heat your crawl space or basement is a drag. And, if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, now is a great time to get your flu serviced (before your local sweep's phone is ringing off the hook).Also, now is the perfect time to check and replace any burned out light bulbs in your home, around the exterior of your house, and in seldom-used darker spaces, like the attic, basement, and garage. Further, now is the perfect time to make sure that you're ready for potentially sub-zero temperatures to come with hose bib covers, sand for walkways, and everything else you may need.
A Little Fall Cleaning as a Prelude to the Holiday Season
Last but not least, consider doing some pre-emptive cleaning, while you can still fling open the windows and doors, and drag your rugs and furniture cushions outside for a nice beating. Cleaning in a stopped-up house can be hazardous for your health, and your sanity.
Getting Ready for Sweater Weather
Sweater weather is soon to be upon us. Soon enough it'll be time to visit the local pumpkin patch, tailgate with your football buddies, or whatever it is that you do to celebrate the impending fall season. Get ahead of preparing your home for fall and you'll have more free time to enjoy the wonders if the autumnal season.