Fall Home Comfort Checklist

Your Essential Fall Home Prep Checklist

Introduction: As the temperatures start to cool, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the fall and winter months ahead. At Choate’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Generators, we’re here to help you make sure your home stays comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe all season long. Follow this essential fall home prep checklist to protect your home and enjoy peace of mind as the weather changes.

1. Schedule Your HVAC System Tune-Up

Fall is the best time to make sure your heating system is ready for the cold months ahead. An HVAC tune-up from Choate’s ensures your system runs efficiently and keeps your home warm without wasting energy.

• Test the Thermostat: Check that your thermostat is accurate and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management.
• Change Air Filters: Replacing dirty air filters helps your system run more efficiently and improves indoor air quality.
• Inspect the Ductwork: Have your ductwork inspected and cleaned to ensure proper airflow and remove any dust or debris buildup.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Before the chill of fall sets in, check for drafts around windows and doors. Sealing gaps with weather stripping or caulk can help keep your home warm and lower your energy bills.

• Check Window Insulation: If your windows are old or drafty, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to reduce heat loss.
• Install Door Sweeps: Use door sweeps to prevent drafts from entering under doors, helping to keep your home cozy.

3. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Falling leaves can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage and potential roof problems. Cleaning your gutters early in the fall ensures they can handle any rain or snow throughout the season.

• Check for Leaks: Inspect your gutters and downspouts for leaks or damage that could cause water to pool near your foundation.
• Install Gutter Guards: Consider adding gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters.

4. Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

Cold temperatures can cause serious plumbing issues if your pipes aren’t properly prepared. Protect your home’s plumbing with these simple steps:

• Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces with insulation to prevent freezing.
• Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect hoses and shut off water to outdoor faucets to avoid frozen and burst pipes during cold weather.
• Inspect Water Heaters: Have your water heater checked and flushed by Choate’s to remove sediment buildup and ensure it runs efficiently throughout the colder months.

5. Service Your Generator

A generator is essential for keeping your home powered during winter storms and outages. Now is the time to make sure your generator is ready to perform when you need it most.

• Test the Generator: Run your generator to ensure it starts and functions properly.
• Schedule a Professional Inspection: Choate’s offers expert generator maintenance to check for issues and ensure your backup power system is ready for the season ahead.

6. Inspect and Clean Your Fireplace

If you rely on a fireplace for extra warmth, it’s important to clean and inspect it before lighting that first fire of the season.

• Clean the Chimney: Have your chimney professionally cleaned to remove soot and creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.
• Check the Damper: Ensure your fireplace damper opens and closes properly to improve heating efficiency and safety.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall and winter bring increased use of heating systems and fireplaces, so it’s crucial to check your home’s safety devices.

• Test Detectors: Check the batteries and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly.
• Install Additional Detectors: Consider installing more detectors in areas such as bedrooms and hallways for added safety.

Conclusion:

Preparing your home for fall is essential to keeping your living space comfortable, safe, and efficient as temperatures drop. By following this simple checklist and scheduling services with Choate’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Generators, you’ll be ready for whatever the cooler months bring.

Call to Action: Ready to get your home fall-ready? Call Choate’s at 901-755-4797 or book online. Secure your home’s comfort and safety today!