Welcome to September. Pretty soon, it will be time to stow the lawn mower for the winter and make sure the snowblower is in good working condition. Inside, you’ll be able to turn off the AC and open the windows to let in some fresh fall air.
This impending changing of the seasons also is a perfect time to make sure your home is ready for another Wisconsin winter. There are countless online checklists of things to do before the temperatures really drop and the snow starts flying. I’ve culled them to present five of the most important to-do items you shouldn’t ignore this fall. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Clean your gutters.
Leaves, twigs and other debris probably accumulated in your gutters over the spring and summer, and if they are not cleared out before winter sets in, they can trap melting roof snow. Drainage can then move under roof shingles and leak into ceilings and walls. Excess water also can create ice dams that cause gutters to sag, wood to rot and more leaks to form. To avoid this annual chore — and it definitely is a chore — consider installing mesh gutter guards to deter debris for good.
2. Check for air leaks and seal them.
Finding drafty spots in windows and doors is as simple as moving the back of your hand along sills and frames on a windy day to feel for temperature changes. Installing new weatherstripping will create a “barrier against drafts, moisture, dust and noise, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and improve overall energy efficiency,” according to This Old House. Sealing options include plastic or metal strips; felt; foam tape; and rubber, vinyl or silicone tubes. It’s an easy DIY endeavor.
3. Have your furnace inspected.
Fall is the best time to have your furnace inspected (and so is spring, if your furnace is more than 10 years old). An inspection can identify invisible but deadly carbon monoxide or gas leaks and prevent breakdowns in the middle of a cold spell, and cleaning dirty parts and replacing the furnace filter can save fuel consumption and lower monthly energy bills. In some cases, annual checkups also are necessary to keep a furnace’s warranty valid. This is a critical task and should be left to professionals.
4. Prep the fireplace.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney cleanings to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are safe to use, in good condition and operating correctly. In the meantime, clear fireplace vents and flues of debris, nests and other obstructions before starting a fire. Make sure the flue remains open, as it will draw smoke out of the house, and do not close it until the embers die. A closed flue could help the fire heat up again and force carbon monoxide into the home. While you’re at it, make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home are working, and also make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is located.
5. Ready the yard.
As the days get shorter, you might not need to mow the lawn as often, but your work in the yard is not done yet. In addition to raking leaves (multiple times, probably), it’s a good idea to fertilize the grass to help encourage root growth and give your lawn a head start in the spring. Also consider dethatching and/or aeration, which helps the lawn better absorb nutrients before it goes dormant in the winter while also supporting deeper root development.
As another fall approaches, taking the proper steps now to protect your home and yard through the long winter ahead will pay off with reduced energy costs, increased safety and less stress.
Photo by cp17 from Pixabay