Turn Over a New Leaf with these Autumn Tips!
Thanksgiving is on its way, pumpkin spice lattes are back on the Starbucks menu, and sweaters are coming out of retirement… it can only mean one thing. Fall is on its way!
While many of us aren’t prepared to say goodbye to summer (and yes, we include ourselves in that statement), September is a great time of year to start preparing the house for the colder months.
Trust us when we say that you’ll want to take advantage of the warm weather and give yourself a good head start on your fall chores. If you don’t, you might be suffering the consequences when the temperature drops and you’re left scrambling to get things done before the first cold snap of the year.
To get you started, here are three actions that you can take early in order to make sure you’re autumn (and winter) ready:
If You Don’t Seal It, The Outside Will Steal It
Fall is the time to invest in making sure your home is warm and cozy – especially as those cooler days approach. As you think about turning the thermostat up a few notches, make sure that you’re not inadvertently letting the heat escape via cracks and gaps that went unnoticed during the warmer months.
Inspect your doors and windows, making sure that they’re completely sealed. Worn down weather-stripping or caulking should be replaced as soon as possible to keep your home from seeping heat.
If you’re looking for a cost effective way to seal in the warmth, plastic/bubble wrap can also be used in a pinch to provide additional insulation. It may not look pretty… but it works!
Pro tip: make sure that you don’t forget to check the basement and attic of your home. These areas are often neglected because they see less foot-traffic, which means gaps and cracks in the sealant are more likely to go unnoticed.
Inspect the 3 F’s – Furnace, Fireplace, Fire Alarms
Furnaces require yearly checkups to ensure that they’re operating the way they’re designed too. Yearly maintenance not only helps to protect your investment but is a proactive step towards preventing issues like carbon monoxide leaks.
Pro tip: Getting an appointment with your local professional is much easier to do in the months leading up to the cold weather so book early! Your energy provider may offer a free furnace inspection, and the City of Calgary’s Home Safety Program is a great resource!
In addition to regular maintenance, furnace filters should also be changed every 2-3 months. We highly recommend stocking up in advance to avoid having to trudge out to the store in the middle of a cold snap.
Similarly, indoor fireplaces should also undergo a yearly inspection and cleaning. Critters, such as birds and spiders, often make their homes in chimneys – and this can be a big fire hazard. Avoid this by hiring a professional to do the dirty work… no pun intended.
Last but not least, fire alarms should be checked and their batteries replaced (if applicable) seasonally. Carbon monoxide detectors should get the same treatment… so why not kill two birds with one stone?
Don’t Forget The Pipes!
Is there anything more stressful than a burst pipe? Well… yes, we can think of a few things, but this is one stress that can easily be avoided. Make sure that all your outdoor pipes are emptied and that the water to them is turned off before the freezing weather sets in. This includes those pipes that are connected to your garden taps, air conditioning, and any outdoor sprinkler system.
If you have an irrigation system or a complex outdoor set up, consider calling a specialist to have your pipes professionally winterized. Book your appointment early to avoid the pre-winter scramble – something that will undoubtedly save you time, and a whole lot of frustration, in the future.
Remember, Alberta winters are not for the faint of heart. Prepare yourself early so that you can rest easy when that first cold day sets in.
Even more importantly, pace yourself! There’s time to get everything ready before we start transitioning into fall/winter. Get yourself doing a few manageable tasks each day to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed while also keeping yourself motivated and feeling accomplished.
As you’re working your way through your autumn ‘to do list’, keep us in mind! We’re more than happy to help you cross a few things off your list. Whether it’s adding something to your regular clean or just needing an extra set of hands to help get the job done, we’re here to support you!
Remember: we love cleaning so you don’t have to!
Your Friend, Anna