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Fall is here! That means its time to start prepping for winter.



1. Replace Air filters: You will be spending more time indoors so this is the perfect time to change them. 

Replace your furnace air filter.  Clean your furnace/ac unit, air ducts, and replace any other air filters throughout your home.  There are many HVAC companies that'll come to your home for a nominal fee and clean and service your heating and ac unit. Changing filters is an easy one.  You can order them right now so you don't forget.


2. Clean gutters, downspouts, and clear blockages.  This is a leading cause of water damage to a home.  The water gets blocked and causes damage to the exterior landscape, building and flooding can occur as a result of the blockage.

Any type of activity on the roof can pose danger. If you aren't confident doing this yourself... Consider calling in a pro.


3.October is fire safety month.  Now is a good time to have a fire safety and evacuation conversation with your family.

Check to make sure your fire extinguishers work.  If you don't have one now is a good time to get one or a few.

Google some videos on how to use fire extinguishers or better yet contact your local fire department and ask about community events and training on proper fire extinguisher usage. 

Consider having a Fire Safety Kit  (with a ladder) in your home.  There are different types out there. Do some research and see which ones will fit your situation.


4.Clean out dryer lint: Dryer fires account for 2,900 annual fires.  Try and get in the habit of cleaning this every time you wash.  Failure to remove lint from the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires


5. Clean your fireplace: Make sure it’s clean with no debris inside.  Birds love to nest in it so make sure it’s clear. Consider having a chimney sweep come in. Protect you and your family from a fire and possible carbon monoxide poisoning. 


6. Put away the hose inside and winterize your sprinkler system: Get your outdoor water system winterized before freezing temperatures arrive and cause damage. 


7. Seal your outdoor surface areas: Those small gaps and cracks on your home's exterior can impact both your heating bill and cause water damage. Take some time and seal your outdoor surface areas.


8. Clean and protect your outdoor furniture: Wash and protect your outdoor furniture and appliances.   The elements can cause further damage.  


9. Aerate and fertilize your lawn: Lawn fall preparation is key to a healthy upcoming spring and summer lawn.


Check out THIS VIDEO for more tips

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5 "MUST DO"SEPTEMBER PROJECTS

September is a catch-up month! It’s a time to finish projects begun in the summer that was never completed. And it’s an excellent opportunity to see what can be improved, replaced, or repaired while the weather is still nice enough for outdoor projects. This is is also the perfect month to begin your fall home maintenance checklist, add seasonal color to your garden, and bring organization to your home—and your life.


1. GET A JUMP ON FALL HOME MAINTENANCE

Conducting a routine house fall checkup will tip you off to little problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. The easiest way to do it is to check from top to bottom. Start with the roof—are your shingles worn? Check for leaks around skylights, vents, and chimneys (and have that chimney cleaned). Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too.

During cold winter pipes can freeze, drain your outside hose spigots. Switch your screens for storms and seal any drafty windows or doors. The same goes for paint and siding: Make sure you caulk or repair any gaps, cracks, or holes and re-point any brick surfaces that need it. Paint over your repairs while the weather’s still warm enough to do it, so you’re not looking at them all winter. In the basement, check for dampness, change filters, and have your heating system serviced. Also, check for cracks in the foundation.

 
2. WINTERIZE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

While most patio and lawn products are manufactured to remain outside for the winter, some precautions may still be required for harsher weather conditions.

Plastic, vinyl, and synthetic wicker can all be easily maintained with some soapy water and a garden hose. But metal, wood, and natural wicker will have more specific maintenance requirements. 


September Home Projects - Ornamental Kale
3. ADD SEASONAL COLOR TO YOUR GARDEN
With summer blooms fading, this is the perfect time to boost your garden’s color sense. Mums are a popular choice, and for good reason—they are abundant, easy to care for, and colorful. But consider some other “stars” of the fall landscape, among them Black-Eyed Susans, Leedplant, and Ornamental Kale are good choices.


4. ORGANIZE YOUR GARAGE
If your garage has become a catch-all for miscellaneous storage, leaving little to no room for the family car, then now is the time to restore order. Purge items you no longer need and create a plan that will allow you to store more things you do need in a logical way that allows for easy access later on. Look for smart solutions that take advantage of the walls and ceilings and free up valuable floor space. Also, take the guesswork out of locating stored items and be sure to label everything.


5. HOST AN END-OF-SUMMER YARD SALE
Looking to clear the clutter from your home and garage? Make the most of the mild weather to host an end-of-summer yard sale. While it may not put a lot of change in your pocket, it will certainly free up some storage capacity and put your unused goods back into useful circulation.

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