
Winter is just around the corner, and many Long Island residents will be spending these next few weekends cleaning up from a busy summer and preparing their homes for cold weather. Our real estate agents think of fall as a home improvement season. Taking the time to make necessary repairs and upgrades can help ensure you have a safe and happy winter. Below is a list of some of the most important home improvement projects we plan to tackle this year.
- Inspect Your Furnace
The last thing you want is your furnace to fail on a cold winter night. Call a local HVAC specialist to conduct a thorough inspection in the fall. If your unit is 10 to 15 years old, you may want to consider proactively replacing it. Investing in a new unit will dramatically improve energy efficiency and lower your utility bills.
- Seal Your Doors And Windows
Caulking and weather stripping can wear thin over time, allowing cold air to seep into your home or warm air to leak out. Take the time to improve your home's energy efficiency by sealing gaps around your doors and windows.
- Clean Out Your Gutters
As leaves fall from the trees, you can expect to accumulate a large amount of debris in your gutters and downspouts, which can prevent water from properly draining during heavy rains or snowmelts. This can cause water to overflow, pool near the foundation of your home, and potentially cause the ground to shift around your foundation. Wait until the final leaves fall, and thoroughly clean out your gutters and downspouts.
- Make Spot Repairs On Your Roof
High winds and damaging storms may have resulted in chipped or damaged shingles over the summer. Fall is a great time to schedule a roof inspection and have spot repairs made as needed. It's important to always turn to the professionals — don't attempt to climb onto your roof yourself!
- Cover Your A/C Unit
Your air conditioning unit can accumulate leaves and debris throughout the fall. Long-term exposure to rain, snow, and ice can also result in damage. Take the time to clear out any leaves and place a cover over it to keep it in good shape.
- Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Next Season
Your lawn mower has done a lot of hard work this year, so give it a good cleaning and tune-up before storing it away for the winter. You don't want old oil, dirt, and grime sitting inside of it for months. A little bit of maintenance now can help ensure it's ready to go in the spring.
- Clean And Store Your Grill
Once you've flipped your last burger for the year, dedicate an hour or so to cleaning your grill. Use a steel-bristled brush to eliminate food scraps, empty the grease pain, wipe down the trays and lid and remove the propane tank. Make sure to securely cover it to protect it from pests and insects.
Preventative maintenance in the fall helps prevent problems during the winter. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.