As the seasons shift from summer to fall, it is time to prepare your home for cooler weather. The mild temperatures offer a great opportunity to tidy up and make changes to keep your living spaces cozy and comfortable during fall and winter. Here are a few tips to help you transform your home and feel ready for the season.
Easy Ways to Prepare Your Home for Cooler Weather
1. Clean the House
Preparing your home for fall is difficult without decluttering and cleaning first. Clean your outdoor area, patio, and windowsills to keep them free of debris and grime. Don’t overlook the garden tools and lawn equipment. If you have outdoor cushions on the patio furniture, clean them with a gentle detergent and let them air dry. Swap summer floral arrangements and decor with autumnal decorations, like fall-themed candles, pumpkins, and gourds.
2. Prioritize the Furnace to Prepare Your Home for Cooler Weather
Ensure your furnace is in top condition before cold weather. Wipe down the vents, change the air filter, and vacuum the nooks and crannies of the HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace is more efficient and less likely to break on the coldest night of the year. You can also hire a professional to do this for you.
3. Storage Optimization
If you have limited closet space, invest in extra storage options like hanging shelves and shoe organizers. Store out-of-season clothing in bins in the basement or attic. Keep the items you use frequently – like coats, winter boots, and warm blankets – easily accessible. Donate or sell belongings you don’t want or need to save closet space.
4. Prepare Your Home for Cooler Weather: Seal Drafts
Examine your home for drafts and replace damaged window seals, weatherstripping, and caulking around doors or windows. Drafts can be a significant source of heat loss during the colder months. Inspect the exterior doors for visible gaps, and consider adding door sweeps to keep cool air out and warm air indoors.
5. Insulate the House
A well-insulated home saves you money and keeps your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. Add insulation to walls, attics, and ceilings, and use other draft prevention measures to help your home retain heat. Good insulation also keeps your home cool during summer, so this step will lower your energy bill year-round.
Preparing your home for cooler weather doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. Follow the simple tips and tricks above to prepare your home for fall so you can enjoy cozy nights surrounded by family and friends.
First Impression Home Inspections provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Shenandoah Valley. Contact us to request an appointment.