Summer break is over and the kids have returned to school (yes…we are doing the happy dance)! Yep, it’s that time of year again. Time to look forward to changing leaves and cooler weather. And what better way to usher in fall than to get your home ready for the autumn season in four simple steps!

1. Check For Drafts

Once the temperature starts to drop outside you might notice your home feels a bit chillier than it has over the last two seasons. Now is the time to prepare your home for the colder months, so why not do a quick walk through of your interior to check for drafts.

The most obvious places to check for drafts are large openings like windows and doors. You can prevent heat loss from these two areas by filling in any cracks or gaps around the moldings and trims at your windows and doors with caulk.
Also be sure to remove and replace any old weather stripping around your doors and windows to insure a tight seal and to prevent any drafts from leaking through.

One place most people never think to check for drafts is around outlets and switches. Heat loss occurs around switches and outlets mounted on outside walls. An easy fix for this type of heat loss is to use a spray insulating foam. For more information on how to fix this type of leak check out this eHow article.

2. Clean Gutters

You might not think of your gutters when getting your home ready for the fall season, but you’d be surprised at just how much debris can actually collect in those gutters over the spring and summer months.

Cleaning out your gutters might not be a pleasant job, but it’s an easy DIY. All you’ll need to do is get a ladder and then remove any leaves, nests or debris you see inside your gutters. And while you’re up there also make sure to check for leaks.

3. Put Away Outdoor Furniture

This one seems like an easy thing to remember, but you’d be surprised at how many people actually leave their outdoor furniture out all year long.

Just like any other outdoor accessory, outdoor furniture can be quite expensive to replace. Take the time now to clean off your cushions, tables and chairs and then store your furniture in a cool, dry place where it won’t be covered in leaves and snow over the fall and winter months.

4. Shut Off And Drain Outside Faucets

Leaving your outside faucets on all winter could mean huge plumbing problems for you once the temperature begins to drop. Your pipes could freeze and then eventually burst, so before it gets too cold outside, remember to disconnect and store your hose in a clean dry place, shut off your inside valve, then open and drain your outside faucets. It is also a good idea to insulate them with an outdoor faucet cover for added protection.

For more helpful home décor and how to tips…follow our RTA Blogs and DIY Boards on Pinterest! 

 
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