I know it’s hard to believe in the Central Valley, but fall is right around the corner! Smart homeowners will take the time to prepare their homes for the coming winter months.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Safety First! Clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries if needed and test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
• Your Best Air. Clogged or dirty HVAC air filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity.
• Warm & Cozy. Check the operation of the heating system by cleaning and replacing filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Lock, Stock & Save. Adjust or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors & check caulking, inside and out, and touch up as needed. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk to save money on heating bills. Also, check the fit of exterior doors and adjust thresholds.The springs inside allow you to turn the screws counterclockwise and relieve tension. As the tension is let out, the threshold raises to eliminate the gap at the bottom of the door.
• Freeze With Caution. Remove hoses from exterior faucets to “freeze proof” faucets and prevent a broken water line, which occurs if the water in the hose freezes and expands into the pipe.
• Garage Tune-Up. Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil
• Get Your Mind in the Gutters. Inspect discharge basins (the end of each drain) toensure they are free of any debris, such as grass, plants, leaves or dirt. This step is crucial to ensure your drains have the ability to function without obstruction.
• Extreme Yard Makeover. Fill in holes and smooth bumps as needed for positive drainage.
• Ready With A Game Plan. Take a moment to review fire safety in your home and check and replace fire extinguishers if necessary.
• Resist a Chevy Chase Christmas. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.

AUTHOR: Brandon De Young

{Image Source: CFA, Northside Window & Gutter Cleaning}

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