5 Simple Ways To Prepare Your Home for Fall

While this year has certainly flown by, we'd be lying if we said we weren't looking forward to the cooler weather, fresh hot cider, relaxing evenings spent with friends 'round a campfire, and afternoons devoted to cleaning out the gutters. Okay... so maybe we're not too excited about the "cleaning out the gutters" part, but it's still an important part of autumnal responsibilities when it comes to preparing your home for the new season.

That being said, in preparation for the exciting change in season, we’ve put together some great tips and tricks (and even a fall maintenance checklist) to help you better prepare your home for fall.

1. Double-check your heating & cooling system

Check to make sure your heating system is working and prepared to be heavily utilized throughout the long winter season. Don’t push off testing your heating season before it’s too late! A proper heating system is a necessity for your home this fall and winter. Give your system a quick test run to make sure it’s operating properly. If it isn’t working, go ahead and put in a maintenance request on your tenant portal.

2. Clean your gutters 

Clear your gutters of debris to ensure that the fall leaves don’t block the flow of water drainage. A buildup of debris and old, dead leaves can cause potential water damage to the foundation of the home, so be proactive and clear out your gutters at least twice throughout the autumn season.

3. Rake the leaves 

While the very symbol of the autumn season, fall leaves can quickly become a hassle if not adequately tended to. Plus, an accumulation of old, dead leaves can be the perfect place for creepy crawlies to nestle (ew, no thanks!), so we encourage you to rake your leaves on a weekly basis in order to maintain a tidy lawn. Though you may assume raking to be a pretty straightforward task, you'd be surprised by how many people overlook this simple autumnal task.

4. Seal exterior-facing doors and windows

Weatherstrip/caulk any cracks or leaks in the sealant surrounding exterior-facing doors and windows. By doing this, caulking helps keep the home well insulated and fights off any cold drafts that may come through any nooks and crannies.

5. Switch out your air filters

There’s never a bad time to switch out your air filters for new, clean ones to maximize airflow throughout your home. Old air filters mean that dust, mold, pet dander, etc. may be floating through the air and are not as readily blocked, which is why it's crucial to change your air filters with the start of each new season. This ensures that all particulate pollution in your home is more likely to be filtered out of the air that you breathe on a daily basis. Click HERE to purchase a new air filter.

While the autumn season is eagerly anticipated by most, it's important to take the time to prepare your home for the change in season. By doing so, you can cut unexpected costs and have more time to actually enjoy the change in weather. For additional details, please watch the video below!