The Morsa Moore Team is your go-to professional when it comes to your Happy House! Not only do we represent buyers and sellers during transactions, we continue to make recommendations all year long. With fall’s arrival, cozy season is almost here! It’s time to get out those chunky knit sweaters and pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte. It’s also time to start getting your home ready for the change of seasons. By tackling these tasks now, you’ll be able to enjoy the crisp fall days of Montgomery County ahead. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your home for the fall.
There are several annual outdoor home tasks that should be prioritized before it get’s too cold. We’ve highlighted what we believe is most important to prepare your home for the fall.
Clean and address gutters
It’s essential to check and clean your gutters in the fall. Gutters help to direct rainwater away from your home, preventing leaks in the foundation. With Montgomery County seasons, leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters and make them work less efficiently. While you’re cleaning, check for signs of damage, and replace gutters as needed.
Check your fireplace and chimney
Do you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home? Lucky you! There’s nothing cozier on a fall day than a fire. But fireplaces come with their own set of risks, and you need to make sure yours is in good working order. Now is the best time to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned. It’s also a great time to gather and stack firewood in an easily accessible location before the weather gets bad.
Protect outdoor plumbing
There is nothing worse than a burst pipe caused by freezing temperatures. That’s why you need to protect your outdoor plumbing before the temperatures plunge. Once you’re certain the warm days are dwindling down, drain the water from outdoor faucets and turn off the valve that supplies water to them.
Similarly, there are annual indoor home tasks that you’ll want to address this fall. Check out our recommendations below.
Check your furnace
It’s time to make sure your furnace is in good working order. There’s nothing worse than having your furnace go out when the outside temperature drops below freezing. Have your furnace inspected, and change out the filters. You should then consider caring for your filters monthly by vacuuming and/or replacing them as needed. This will help to extend the life of your furnace and save you on your energy costs.
Replace batteries
The changing of seasons is the best time to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In fact, one of the easiest ways to remember to complete this chore is to do it during Daylight Saving time (which is quickly approaching on Sunday, November 6, 2022). If you have hardwired detectors, check for battery back-ups and replace those.
As residents of Montgomery County, we can’t forget about annual fall lawn and driveway care. Take our advice and prepare some things now so that you’ll have less work come spring.
Inspect winter equipment and tools
Because Montgomery County, PA does get snow, you should check your winter equipment before the first flake hits the ground. Getting that first snowstorm is delightful, until you realize your snowblower is out of commission. Fix that broken shovel handle and make sure equipment is working properly by servicing and replacing as needed.
Be mindful of your lawn
Outdoor living spaces have become such an important part of our homes during the pandemic. With winter approaching, it’s easy to disregard your lawn. After all, you won’t be looking at it or mowing it again for many months. But maintenance that you complete now can make a big difference in the spring. Roots are still growing in your lawn, so applying fertilizer in the fall can help prevent damage over the colder months. It will also revitalize your lawn more quickly in the spring.
Plant spring bulbs
Finally, we know it’s hard to think ahead to spring when fall is just beginning. But you’ll thank yourself if you do. Now is the time to start planting spring bulbs in your garden. We’re talking about daffodils, tulips, and other flowers that are amongst the first to bloom in early spring. Those first signs of life can be good for our mental health after a long winter. So get those bulbs in the ground now before it freezes, and you’ll reap the benefits of your efforts in just a few short months!
Happy House!
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