While spring is a common time for many homeowners to spend some extra attention on upkeep and maintenance, autumn is just as critical a season for preparing your home to withstand the potentially harsh winter weather and temperature conditions that may await you.
- Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
- Replace your furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
- Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
- Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Switch your ceiling fans to “reverse. “Because heat rises, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan can actually help circulate the warm air back into the lower living space.
- Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
- Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.
- Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure you have a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area and also, a smoke detector in the hallway outside each sleeping area. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.
The steps you take during the fall can help protect your home and property from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.
Let’s Clear the Air About Fall Allergies – Keeping Your Home Free of Dust!
- Clean dusty house plants in the shower- dusty and dirty real house plants can be easily and quickly cleaned by placing them in your bathroom for a brief shower. Don’t use hot water, and if you feel the shower head will be too harsh you can use a watering can instead. Let them drip dry before returning them to their proper place.
- Clean sliding door tracks with a screwdriver – Spray a household cleaner safe for metal on a rag, and wrap the rag around the tip of a screwdriver, and then rub the tip of the screwdriver along the track for easy cleaning.
- Vacuum lampshades instead of dusting them – Lampshades accumulate dust quickly and using a dusting rag to try to get it off can sometimes just rub the dust in more. Instead, vacuum your lampshades to remove the dust quickly and easily.
- Remove dust from drapes and curtains in the dryer – A simple way to get rid of dusty curtains and drapes is to throw them in the dryer, on the fluff air only setting, for approximately twenty minutes and the movement and air flow will dust them for you.
- Vacuum carpets regularly – Carpets hold onto a lot of the dust and dirt in your home, and therefore to keep it out of your home you need to vacuum regularly. If you have dust allergies make sure you use one with a good filter, or let someone else do the vacuuming.
- Have two welcome mats – To keep dirt from entering your home in the first place have two welcome mats at all entrance doors to your home, one on the outside and another on the inside.
- Change your furnace filter regularly – Changing your furnace filter as recommended, and regularly, is one of the simplest but most overlooked ways to keep dust from accumulating in your home.
Tony Clark Realtors believes every family should feel confident when buying and selling a home. We are here to be your trusted adviser. Since 1976, we are the Owensboro Kentucky market expert.
Tony Clark Realtors | 2934 Frederica Street Owensboro, Kentucky | (270) 683-SOLD
Tony Clark Realtors®, LLC is located in Owensboro, KY, and has been representing home buyers and home sellers for over 40 years. Tony Clark Realtors® is also trusted by many property owners to manage their rental properties, having one of the largest portfolios of rental properties available in the area. When you choose Tony Clark Realtors® for your real estate needs, you can have peace of mind as to the high value and quality of service you'll receive.