Here comes Fall: 5 Fall Home Preparation Ideas

The end of summer is officially here, so it won't be long until the leaves begin to turn stunning shades of red and orange, neighborhood streets are lined with pumpkins, and the crisp, chilly air of an autumn night returns to our life in Des Moines and Central Iowa. Fall brings cooler, less dependable weather. As the days grow shorter, and the temperature begins to drop, it's time for homeowners everywhere to start thinking about what they will do to protect their homes. 

If you're not careful, this kind of situation could result in structural damage to your house or other property. But don't worry! Here are five things you can do to get your house ready for the impending fall temperature dip in Iowa.

Get Your Gutters Clean

Gutters are an important part of your home—they collect rainwater and help prevent water damage to your roof. But if they get clogged, they can cause internal or external water damage to your roof, which could lead to costly repairs in the long run. So, it's important to keep them clean!

Start by removing all the vegetation from your gutters before you clean them. Then climb a ladder and remove any leaves or other debris that has accumulated since your last cleaning (or call a pro). Need recommendations for someone in Central Iowa that can help with this? Give Ryan a call or send us an email and we'd be happy to get you connected with some great resources to help you!

Store Outdoor Furniture

You don't have to put your outdoor furniture to the test this fall just because it was advertised as being able to survive all weather conditions. To ensure that your outdoor furniture is prepared for the summer BBQ, store it in your garage, shed, or basement.

If you don't currently have space for your furniture, cover it with a weatherproof covering, such as a tarp or waterproof casing, and fasten it in place to protect it from sudden snowfalls or torrential downpours. Outdoor covers are available for furniture such as fire pits, sofas, tables, and chairs.

Seal Doors and Windows

When you're spending money on your home or improvements to it, the last thing you want to do is waste money on something that isn't going to help you. That's why it's important to make sure that all of your windows and doors are in good working order.

The heat you paid for is practically flying out of your house if there is a hole or slit in one of your windows or doors. You're not paying to heat the entire neighborhood, as your parents have surely told you at some point, so conserve your funds by purchasing some weatherproof caulking to fill in any gaps on the exterior or interior sills. If you're thinking about window replacement before we get to the dead of winter, let us know and we can connect you with some great contractors in Des Moines who would be happy to help you with this update. If you're not quite ready to do this, consider buying window sealing kits from the local hardware store to help keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

It is inexpensive and simple to install a programmable thermostat on your own. Using a programmable thermostat, you can manage the heating and cooling of your house while you're away. With just a tap of your smartphone, you can control the temperature in each room. By reducing the heat this fall when you're out and about, you'll end up saving money.

Inspect Your Furnace

The time is now to have a professional perform a checkup on your furnace because you'll need it to be in peak condition for the impending chilly months. However, there are some additional steps you can do in the interim to lengthen the lifespan of your furnace.

You may swap out your furnace filter, for instance. Over time, a furnace filter needs to be cleaned because it accumulates dust. We recommend replacing these at least every three months, depending on the type of filter. If you have a metal filter or other type of reusable filter, make sure you're cleaning it regularly to help maintain your furnace's longevity.

Fall, Here We Come!

You should be able to prepare your Central Iowa home for the changing seasons using the above tips. Take these safety and cost-cutting measures right away to ensure future successful seasons!

If you need help with your home needs, give our team a call or you can leave a message down below.