Cool temperatures serve as a reminder that the fall season is approaching fast. As the season changes so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer is not quite over yet, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smooth. Here are 10 of our best interior and exterior tips for Fall.

INTERIOR

1. Check for Drafts

Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around windows and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.

2. Routine Furnace Maintenance

Hire an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the filter.  A clean, well-adjusted heating system will save you money and prolong furnace life.

3. Programmable Thermostat

Consider buying a programmable thermostat. If you already have one, check the temperature settings and make sure it’s set to lower the temperature automatically at night and when you’re not home. Doing so can result in substantial savings.

4. Clean Humidifiers

Keeping your humidifier clean is important as it’s a necessary task to ensure that your unit works properly. Like any appliance, if you don’t take care of it, then it won’t last as long as it could. Also, make sure to replace old filters and clean the inside compartments thoroughly.

5. Create a Mudroom

If you don’t have a dedicated mudroom in your home, now might be a good time to think about reorganizing and stocking an entryway that will serve as one. Cold, and potentially wet, weather brings muddy shoes and heavy clothes, like jackets. You could put down an indoor-outdoor rug to protect your floors or consider a shoe rack, coat rack or storage bench to conveniently store away the cold-weather essentials.

EXTERIOR

1. Do a Roof Check

You should be able to do a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or, if you’re able, climb up for a better view. You should look for missing, damaged or loose shingles. If your roof is flat you may need to remove leaves and debris.

2. Clean the Gutters

Hire a service to clear your gutters or opt to do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests and debris from gutters and, while you’re up there, make sure to check for leaks that need fixed.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

A simple trick to cut your heating cost is to reverse the blade direction on your ceiling fans. Rotating them from counterclockwise to clockwise will push the rising warm air down instead of generating a breeze.

4. Fertilize Your Lawn

According to experts, fertilizing your lawn in autumn protects it over the winter and helps it green up faster come springtime. Fall feeding is an important step to ensure a healthy yard in the new year.

5. Drain, Prep and Store Your Lawn Equipment

Over time, unused fuel goes through chemical changes that can destroy your lawn equipment.  Drain the tanks of your outdoor equipment before storing them away. Fall is also a great time to get your lawnmower serviced and blades sharpened so that you’ll be ready for next spring.