Ready for winter? 7 step home checklist for fall

October is here and so is the cooler weather! Before bundling up, be sure to review the following “Fall Home Checklist” from Angie’s List, the online consumer ratings and reviews.

Tackling regular maintenance projects NOW could save you from big-budget repairs in the future.

The fall season offers homeowners a final chance to prepare for the upcoming cooler weather and even some of the easiest chores can save you big dollars on your energy bills.

Angie’s List, the online provider of consumer ratings on local service companies, contacted its highly rated providers to put together a list the most important fall chores for homeowners.

Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks says some basic chores can alert you to the warning signs of a system breakdown and save you money in the long term. “It is better to invest in a routine service call and basic maintenance than shell out big dollars for an emergency call.”

Service your heating system
As much as 80 percent of emergency calls answered by heating specialists are the result of improper maintenance. Schedule an appointment soon so you can beat the rush and help avoid a breakdown in the middle of a freeze.

Check and replace filters
Fall is also the perfect time to check your furnace filters and replace if necessary. Efficient operation distributes heat better and cuts your energy costs.

Plus, it’s an inexpensive and easy task.

Drain water from your water heater
You can improve your water heater’s efficiency by 50 percent by draining sediment build up from the holding tank.

Add insulation
This is one of the lowest-cost options for improving the energy efficiency of your home.

The proper amount of insulation you should have depends on the climate you live in.

Obviously, the colder the weather, the more you need. Look in your attic, if you see exposed two-by four’s, you are due for more insulation.

Seal drafts
Caulk, seal and weather-strip where drafts are detected. Walk through your home with a lit stick of incense or a candle.

Drafts will pull the smoke that direction, making it easier to determine where the cold air is seeping in.

Check your gutters
Gutter blockage of dead leaves and other muck can cause serious water damage.

If they are clogged, hire a professional for a cleaning. If they are not clogged, check again after the leaves have fallen.

Vehicle inspection
Summer travel can take a toll on your car. Schedule a maintenance check with your mechanic so it will be in good working order to endure the long winter months.
 
If you haven’t packed your trunk with an emergency kit, now is the time.