Fall is in full swing here in Lancaster County. People are decorating their porches with pumpkins and hay bales, leaves are beginning to change color, and the temperatures are dropping. Here are a few suggestions of things you can take care of around the house this fall. Â
Clean the gutters. After the leaves have fallen, be sure to clean out your gutters and rain spouts. Flushing them with whatever is a great way to ensure everything is working properly. This is also a great time to replace any broken gutters so that your home is ready for the upcoming winter.
Have your heating system serviced. Call your favorite local HVAC company to have your heating system serviced. Change the filter and make sure everything is in good working order. If you have a fireplace, this is also a great time to make sure it is cleaned and in good working order.
Reverse your ceiling fans and air returns. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fans, the heat from the ceiling will be redistributed throughout the room. Also, if you have air return vents at the top and bottom of your walls, close the upper return, and make sure the lower return is open. This will keep more warm air in the room, while removing the hot air.
Remove/cover air conditioners. If you have window air conditioners, remove them from your windows and store them for the cooler months. If you have an out door A/C unit, consider covering it to protect it from the harsh winter weather.
Prepare your outdoor living space for the winter. If you have outdoor furniture, bring it indoors to store it for the winter, or cover it. Remove or cover your grill as well. Disconnect any hoses or other water features such as fountains or water toys.
While you’re doing your seasonal home maintenance, it’s always a good idea to test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors as well so that all is working. Happy Fall!