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Why fall is the perfect time for home maintenance
Wedged between two energy-intensive seasons, fall is an opportune time to repair your home from summer’s high energy demands and prepare it for cold winter temperatures. Seasons with high energy demand can take a toll on your home’s efficiency. With a few fall maintenance tasks, you can get your home in peak shape before it’s put to the test this winter in Texas.
Bonus: Improving your home’s energy efficiency can lead to savings on your energy bill.
Clean your gutters
Beautiful fall leaves may pose a risk to your gutters. When leaves fall, they can clog your gutters, causing water to overflow and damage your gutters and roof. Avoid unnecessary water build-up by scheduling a gutter cleaning service. You can also consider installing mesh guards to limit the amount of debris that collects in your gutter.
Schedule routine HVAC maintenance
The last thing you want on a cold winter day is for your HVAC unit or furnace to give out. Use the fall season to schedule routine maintenance to change the filters, clean out any buildup, and ensure it’s ready for winter. A properly maintained HVAC unit can save you money on heating costs because the unit isn’t hampered by faulty parts.
Secure windows and doors
Drafty windows and doors can cause your home to lose heat and waste energy. Since winter is around the corner and you’ll likely run your heater during cold days, it pays off to handle this task in the fall. You can easily DIY this project using weatherstrips or caulk to reseal gaps.
Clean your fireplace
Clean and inspect your fireplace for dirt or build-up leftover from last year. You can easily sweep away debris and wipe down the fireplace doors or glass. Make sure to also check your ventilation system for issues before the temperature drops. Fireplace maintenance will allow you to curl up next to the fire on a cold day without sacrificing the air quality in your home.
Prepare your exterior faucets
A burst pipe is a costly repair and a quick way to ruin a snowy day. Winterize your exterior faucets in fall to prevent your pipes from freezing. Start by shutting off your water supply, removing hoses, and draining excess water. Consider topping this off with additional faucet protection such as foam coverings to protect against freezing weather. Follow the same process for your outdoor sprinklers.
Review your insulation
Poor insulation could increase your energy bills because warm air is escaping and making your furnace work harder. Take time this fall to inspect your home’s insulation and reinforce it wherever necessary. Common areas to check include your attic, basement, or crawl spaces.
Will home maintenance lower my energy bills?
Lowering your energy costs involves two main factors: your electricity consumption and your power plan. Home maintenance addresses any areas in your home that are wasting energy. By improving your energy efficiency, you can reduce your electricity consumption and potentially your bill.
The other half of achieving lower utility bills is making sure your home is fitted with the best energy plan. Enter your ZIP code or call our team to browse affordable rates and exclusive plans on our free marketplace.