7 Home Improvements to Make in the Fall Before Winter Arrives

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all you needed to do to get your house ready for fall was hang a wreath and light a bunch of candles scented with pumpkin spice? While getting ready for the changing of seasons should include those steps, becoming a homeowner also requires other, more significant preparations! Below are 9 ways to prepare your home for the coming winter season:

1. Clean -or possibly replace- your gutters.

Sometimes we forget that our gutters could use some TLC because we're so used to them functioning properly. Truth is, your home’s gutters remove hundreds of gallons of water from your roof each year! If they're clogged,you could wind up with a flooded yard or damage to the exterior or interior of your home. Clean and replace them if necessary! 

2. Check for drafts.

Did you know that on average, the Department of Energy found 25 to 30 percent of the energy used for heating is lost through windows? Weatherstripping your home’s doors and windows is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective techniques to utilize to reduce heating bills! Pro tip: Close a window or door on a strip of paper to see if there is a draft present. If the paper slides around readily, your weatherstripping should be updated!

3. If you live in an area prone to snow or freezing, it is a good idea to drain your outdoor faucets.

To avoid any water freezing, drain and disconnect any garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Failing to do so could cause your pipes to explode.

4. Bring in or cover your outdoor furniture.

Even though it is called outdoor furniture, that does not imply that you should expose them to all the rain, hail, and snowstorm-like weather in order to test their durability. Protect the time and money you spent on setting up your outdoor space if you want to reuse it next summer! Place the furniture in a garage or shed, or cover them in a waterproof furniture cover.

5. Change your filters.

Another thing in your house that might be costing you more money than it should be: Filters! Clogged filters make it more difficult for your heater to maintain the desired temperature in your home, which in turn can raise your heating costs. Remember to clean these filters monthly and not just before winter - you'll thank us later! PRO TIP: Most disposable filters can be vacuumed once before replacement, while foam filters can just be vacuumed and not replaced.

6. Fertilize your lawn.

The best offense, as they say, is a good defense. If you want to keep your lawn looking great in the spring and summer, you need to prep it for the fall and winter. Roots are still active when the grass isn't growing, so applying fertilizer will prevent winter damage. Doing this will also help your lawn turn green faster in the spring, which is crucial, because who wants to look at a sad lawn once it gets nice out?

7. Change your batteries

Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. This is an important safety measure to take to ensure your and your family’s safety