Scheduling professional fall maintenance to get your HVAC system ready for cooler weather is important to maximize comfort and energy savings. However, don’t forget these general home maintenance tips to ensure your entire home systems work efficiently this fall.
Roofing and Gutters
A leaky or deteriorating roofing system can cause damage to your home and belongings. Before winter weather arrives, check your roof for loose, damaged or missing shingles and tiles. Roof repairs should be handled by a professional.
The role of the gutter system is to direct rainwater away from your yard, walkways and your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters and downspouts can be cleaned with a telescoping gutter-cleaning water wand, or for your safety and better results, by contacting a professional gutter cleaning service.
Caulk Windows
Hot and cold spots in your home may be caused by air leaks around window frames and loose glass. Silicone caulk is resistant to heat, freezing and shrinking, which makes it very effective at sealing window leaks. Clear caulk may be used to seal rattling glass panes.
Check Weatherstripping
Exterior doors are also prone to air leaks due to worn or missing weatherstripping. If the weatherstripping around your exterior doors is worn, replace it with silicone tubing. Door sweeps can stop drafts beneath doors.
Air exchange between your living spaces and the attic can raise energy bills, reduce comfort and increase the load on your HVAC system. Use foam weatherstripping to seal the attic hatch.
Smoke and CO Alarms
You always need to have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in place. If your alarms operate on batteries, install fresh batteries in the fall and spring and test the alarms for proper function.
Home Exterior
A can of expanding spray-in foam works well to seal cracks and holes in your home’s exterior wall. Check spigots, piping and cables for gaps and cracks that may contribute to air leaks and energy losses. Apply a small amount at first. Excess foam may be cut away.
If you need assistance for any fall home maintenance tasks, please contact the experts at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Dirk Ercken/Shutterstock”
