With Summer wrapping up, it’s time to start thinking about apple picking, football and that crisp autumn weather. Here are a few ways you can prep your home for the change in seasons!
#7: Check Your HVAC Filter
“How often should I change my filter?” is a question we receive on a daily basis. Working as professionals in the HVAC industry, we can confidently say that there is no clear-cut answer to this question. It’s going to depend on a number of factors, including the location of your home, the type of filter you have, and even the pets in your home.
At the very least, it’s a good idea to check your filter every so often. When they are clogged and dirty, it can restrict the airflow for furnaces and air handlers, which can limit the effectiveness, efficiency, and lifespan of the unit.
#6: Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
Have you ever been woken in the middle of the night by the dreaded high-pitched chirp of a smoke alarm with low batteries? Well, this is your reminder to climb that ladder and change those batteries. It can be difficult to remember, so we usually recommend changing them at the same time each year. Start the tradition!
#5: Properly Store Outdoor Furniture
Putting away outdoor furniture can prevent you from needing to replace them next season. It’s a great way to save money and prevent the disappointment next season! Get those chairs, tables, and umbrellas into a shed or other structure to keep them in tact.
#4: Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
Cold winter weather may seem like it’s in the distant future, but don’t forget about how quickly Summer flew by. Those chilly nights can cause outdoor plumbing, like hose spigots and outdoor showers, to become brittle and crack, leading to expensive repairs.
Utilizing a licensed plumber to fully winterize by blowing out lines with a compressor can prevent leaks and other damages to your fixtures.
#3: Check Your Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your home that catch water and push it away from the foundation. Unfortunately, with Fall right around the corner, the chances of it getting clogged up is increased. Leaves have a mind of their own, and will often land wherever they please. Over time, they break down and turn into smaller particles. Combine this with rainwater and you have a muddy mess on your hands, alongside overflowing gutters, of course.
#2: Change the Settings on Ceiling Fans
Having the windows open with a ceiling fan on is one of the perks of Fall and Spring. Beautiful fresh air flowing through the windows is a great way to enjoy the season.
But did you know that there is often a setting on your ceiling fan that should be changed every six months? No, we’re serious. There is generally a small switch above the blades that offers two options. It actually changes the direction the fan spins. During the colder months, the setting that pushes the warm air downward is the one you want. During the warmer months, the setting that pushes the cold air downward is what you’re looking for.
#1: Schedule Your Heat Maintenance
If you saw this one coming, we don’t blame you. Rostron Premium Home Services takes pride in taking care of HVAC units throughout the year, not just when they break down. For that reason, regular maintenance is a hot topic for us.
Having an HVAC Professional come by to give your furnace or boiler a little TLC is the best way to avoid breakdowns this season. Homeowners that take advantage of this service, as a standalone visit or as part of our membership, avoid preventable repairs, enjoy healthier air, and even extend the lifespan of their system!
What are you most excited about this Fall? Pumpkin pies, the holidays, or something else?
Rostron Premium Home Services are always available for any HVAC, plumbing, or electrical project you are working on. Give our office a call at 732-223-8221 to schedule an appointment!
