Seasonal Tasks: Fall

Written By Jolonda Steensma

The "Winter is Coming" Prep Session

Gutter Cleaning: The Sequel (30 minutes of supervision) Remember spring? Do it again. Leaves + gutters = disaster. This is non-negotiable if you have trees near your house.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets (20 minutes) Before the first freeze:

  • Turn off water to outdoor faucets from inside

  • Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water

  • Disconnect and drain all garden hoses

  • Cover the outdoor faucet with an insulated cover

Frozen pipes are expensive and messy. This simple task prevents them.

Furnace Tune-Up (schedule it) Just like spring AC service, but for your furnace. This ensures you have heat when you need it and that your furnace isn't leaking carbon monoxide. It's safety and comfort in one appointment.

Attic Check (if accessible) If you can safely get into your attic, peek at the insulation. It should be:

  • Dry (not wet or moldy)

  • Evenly distributed

  • Not compressed

If you see problems or you're not sure, have an insulation company take a look. Proper insulation saves money on every utility bill for the rest of your life.

Seal the Gaps (30 minutes) Walk around your house's exterior with caulk or spray foam. Look for gaps around:

  • Pipes entering the house

  • Electrical lines

  • Dryer vents

  • Where the foundation meets the siding

These gaps are how mice, cold air, and bugs get in. Seal them up.

Jolonda Steensma
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Seasonal Tasks: Summer