Fall is officially here and with colder months approaching, it is important to get ready to winterize your home to keep it safe. Whether you have a rental home or are a year-round resident, check out these fall maintenance tips!

1 // Fall Clean

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A new season means a fresh start. Open the windows and give your house the deep clean it deserves. Pay careful attention to areas that get overlook and that collect dust like shelves and corners.

 

2 // De-Goop the Gutters

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Gutters keep water from sitting on your home. Make sure they’re doing their job by cleaning out blockages caused by leaves, twigs, and pine needles. Make sure no spouts are loose and use a water hose to rinse out the gunk and make sure that your gutters are in tip-top shape.

 

3 // Store the Hose

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Water hoses that still have water in them can freeze and burst when the temperature drops. When the weather takes a turn for the chilly, make sure your hose is drained and stored properly.

 

4 // No More Drafts

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Instead of cranking up the heat (and the electric bill) buy or create a draft guard for under doorways that leak cold air. You can find an easy DIY tutorial on Pinterest.

 

5 // Eyes on the Thermostat

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Colder temperatures mean the AC will soon be switched to heat. Average households tend to spend 50 to 70 percent on their energy bill. Make sure to turn down the thermostat when you’re not home and save energy and money. You could save around $180 a year.

 

6 // Cleaner Air

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Dirty air filters = low airflow and more energy demand. Make sure you’re changing your air filter once a month for cleanliness and efficiency.

 

7 // Go Clockwise

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Not only do ceiling fans keep you cool in the summer, they can keep you warm in the winter too! By changing the fan direction to clockwise, it’ll push hot air that’s along the ceiling towards the floor!

 

8 // Clean Your Vents

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One of the most flammable materials in your home is dryer lint. Keeping your dryer free of lint will help your clothes dry more efficiently and prevent the risk of a house fire. You can prevent buildup by emptying out the lint trap after every use.