Seven Tips for Prepping Your Home for Autumn

As the temperature starts dropping and harsher weather looms in the coming months, now is the time to get your home ready.

Taking steps now to protect your home and belongings can help you enter the new season worry-free, and you might save money in the process. You can follow these tips to do just that:

1. Clean your furnace and switch out filters
   
   Check your furnace for soot, ignition problems, pilot-light health and the state of other components to make your home ready for fall.
   
   You should also clean up dust and dirt and if you see anything that could spell trouble, call for an inspection. This is also a great time to switch out your filters as you'll probably be using your heater, which draws air from the outside.
   
   You may also need to winterize your outdoor air conditioner unit, depending on the type of system you have. This usually involves cleaning your coils and covering the unit to protect it from the elements.
2. Check your insulation
   
   Fix insulation issues before the cold weather arrives. You'll need to climb up to your attic or crawlspace during daylight hours, which is the best time to spot any rays of light in the corners.
   
   You should only be getting light from attic vents. If you see light in a corner, it could mean you have cracks somewhere or you need to replace some of your insulation.
   
   You should also inspect your ducts. Have a family member or friend shine a light in your ducts while you watch from the crawlspace to see if any light comes through, which means you may have a crack in your vent. Those cracks mean that precious hot air is leaking, which will cost you money.
3. Tend to your fireplace
   
   Clean out your fireplace, check your chimney for blockages and make sure that your damper is working smoothly. If your chimney is coated in soot, you need to have it cleaned to prevent fire hazards. For gas fireplaces, vacuum out any dust and check that the pilot light is properly turned on.
4. Prepare your outdoor furniture
   
   Wash your outdoor furniture and bring in any sensitive cushions or fabrics to get your home ready for fall.
   
   This is true even for durable outdoor padding, as it can develop mold issues over wet seasons.
5. Insulate pipes
   
   When temperatures drop below freezing, standing water in your pipes can start to freeze. This can ruin valves and even crack brittle pipes, leading to leaks and water damage. If your pipes aren't protected or you have installed new plumbing, you can get your home ready for the cold by insulating your pipes. This can be done with simple foam sleeves.
6. Inspect screens and windows
   
   Check your window screens to make sure they are aren't bent and don't have holes. Insects can enter your home through spaces in faulty screens. While you're at it, check your window weatherstripping to make sure the felt is intact and not letting any drafts through.
7. Clean your rain gutters and downspouts
   
   Climb up on a ladder with a garden hose and flush out your rain gutters to remove natural debris like twigs and leaves. After flushing them, don a pair of gloves as you will have to likely dig in there with your hands to get the rest of the debris out. While you're doing that, check the gutters for damage and repair as needed.