Things You Should Do This Fall (And Why You Should Do Them)

Maybe it seems strange to think about winter at this time of year, but sooner or later the cold weather will be upon us and homeowners will need to be prepared. The last thing a homeowner wants in the middle of winter is an urgent situation outside. That's why it's never too early to think about repairing and maintaining the outside features of your home, but before the cold makes your talk unpleasant and difficult, if not near impossible. Get started by reviewing the checklist below:

Have your roof and basement walls checked for leaks. Moisture expands when it freezes making existing cracks even bigger.

Clear and repair eavestroughs and downspouts. Clogged gutters will ice up and create potentially damaging or hazardous situations.

Caulk drafty gaps around window and door frames. Even small gaps will suck the inside heated air outside.

Install or replace weatherstripping and door sweeps where required. The cold weather will contract wood doors allowing drafts to enter your home and forcing you to continually crank up the furnace.

Have your furnace, humidifier, filters and air ducts inspected and cleaned. In addition to improving your fuel efficiency, proper maintenance could prevent a breakdown during subzero weather.

Clean all windows that have a southern exposure. The sun's warmth will help you keep the thermostat down during bright winter days.

Install ceiling fans, especially in larger rooms. A 2-directional, multi-speed unit, offers all-season comfort; with hot air being pushed down in winter and pulled up in summer

Install air deflectors over hot air registers. Registers are often next to outside walls and windows. Deflectors will direct your heated air to the centre of the room where you need it most.

Additional Projects to Consider for Longer Term Benefits
This may also be a good time to evaluate your home's long-term energy efficiency. If you have a major improvement or renovation that is unavoidable, consider getting it done now to prevent costly heat loss this winter. The money you save will be like a cash rebate for your purchase,
Install insulated siding or other exterior protection that will protect your home like a "wind breaker" and a "blanket" of insulation. Install an alternative or supplementary heat source; for example, a fireplace or a space heater in a busy room.

Essentially, any concentrated effort now will contribute to your comfort and savings during the coming winter months. However, be mindful that some larger projects such as upgrading to a fuel-efficient heating and air conditioning system, may not provide you with a payback if you're selling in the near future.
The bottom line in home upkeep is ensuring the utmost comfort while you live in your home and getting the best possible return on your investment when you move.

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