Fall Safety and Home Tips

The first official day of Fall was September 23^rd. While the weather here in the south may not reflect that, we’re hopeful it’s just around the corner.  So to help spur on that Autumn feeling, we are sharing our Fall safety and home tips. They’re guaranteed to help you ease into the cooler months.   

Clear Debris.

Clear out gutters and any debris around your outside air conditioner and furnace. With the fall, rain chances increase and the last thing you want is debris blocking water flow away from your house. Go ahead and give your yard one final mow, trim any shrubs or small trees, and put down any pine straw or mulch. Late fall is a great time to plant bulbs for spring growth also. 

Furnace Check-up

While your air conditioner was working so hard to keep you cool, your furnace aged just a little bit more. With age come tiny cracks and leaks that can be very harmful to the performance of your system and also your health. Go ahead and schedule a tune-up to make sure everything is working in tip-top shape. 

Smoke Detectors

Fall is a good time to check and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Nothing is more annoying than hearing that chirp of the low battery alarm while you are cozy in bed. Pick up a pack of 9volt batteries, grab your ladder from the shed, and schedule 30 minutes to check and replace your detectors. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing all batteries at least once per year and testing them all once per month. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home this is the time to check them also. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas often emitted from your furnace or fireplace. Inhalation can cause serious health issues or even death. If you don’t own a CO detector this is a good time to pick one up. 

Ceiling Fans

Change the direction your fan is moving! This is a small step that could make a big difference in how your home feels. In the fall it should rotate clockwise to circulate the air. (In summer it should rotate counterclockwise to force air down on you.)

Fireplace

Clean and check your fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace go ahead and clean and prep it for those cold fall and winter nights that you want to cozy up. If it is gas burning then it is a good time to schedule with a professional. The local gas company may offer this service or be able to help connect you to a local chimney sweep. Over the spring and summer, birds may have made their homes in your chimney also leaving behind flammable litter.  

While these tips are not really the “fun” part of being a homeowner, they sure make things easier in the long run. If you are not a homeowner yet, and ready to start the process, contact us to help get started!