Be prepared for Autumn’s arrival

By David Wilfong

QUESTION – What are some exterior issues to check on when fall arrives?

The trees slowly turn to fiery colors before they begin to let their leaves go. These leaves are likely collecting throughout your yard and clogging up your gutters. Raking the leaves before they become soaking wet from rain and snow will make your life a lot easier – and your lawn a lot greener once winter passes. And although we understand that cleaning out gutters is not the most fun activity, it will help prevent any major issues once the autumn rainfall starts.

If you have used a window air conditioning unit this Summer, remove them now. If it’s not possible to take them out and close the windows, cover the entire exterior of the unit with an insulating wrap to keep the cold air out. 

Speaking of cold air, this is also the perfect time of the year to check for any air leaks. Your heating system is going to be working hard to keep your family and guests warm, so make sure that none of that energy is wasted. In one of our previous blog, 5 Ways to Lower Your Air Conditioning Cost This Summer, we explain how to check for and fix air leaks in your home, the same principles apply when you’re preparing your home for colder weather! 

If you have a fireplace, get your chimney cleaned and have your fireplace inspected to avoid any dangerous situation. 

It’s also time to replace your air filters again! 

If you haven’t had your central air system and air ducts checked this past summer, it’s now time to take action. You will be spending even more time inside your house over the next several months, so indoor air pollution could be affecting you more intensely during this time of year. We are happy to give you a free estimate and see if your home needs an air duct cleaning. Fill out an inquiry form to schedule your air vent cleaning now.

Slowly walk around your house and take note of any damages to your roof, siding or foundation. It may require you to crawl under your house or get up on your roof, but do whatever it takes to take a thorough inventory of any exterior repairs. This is your last chance to call a professional to fix things before the winter weather will complicate this significantly.

Drain your outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hoses from outside spigots (ain’t nobody got time for burst pipes once the first frost hits!)

Put your outdoor furniture in the garage (it will last much longer if it does not have to face storms and harsh winter temperatures for months at a time!)

Fix any cracks in your driveway with concrete crack sealer (what’s a small crack now might become a pothole after water gets trapped in there and freezes) 

Fertilize your lawn (and make your neighbors jealous come Spring) 

If you follow this Home Maintenance schedule and take great care of your Utah home, your house will take care of you for many more years to come.

Crystal Clean Vents Inc., www.crystalcleanvents.com, 801-561-0924