You know fall has arrived when you can’t turn around without running into a pumpkin spice flavored something or other. And as much as we enjoy the changing of the colors of nature, and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Great Pumpkin (well, some of us anyway), our minds turn to our homes and what we need to accomplish to prepare for winter.
Here in Florida, we don’t deal with too many freezing temperatures in the winter, so winterization involves some other planning and home maintenance than it would for most folks around the country.
For instance, we’re not usually worried about the gutters on our homes becoming a popular hangout for dangerous dangling icicles during the winter months, but keeping our gutters clean and well-maintained is still an important part of home-ownership and home maintenance. Clogged gutters can lead to bad rainwater runoff problems, flooding around your home’s foundation, and possible damage to your roof. Clean out any debris that has accumulated over time and while you’re up there, take a look at your roof and take note of any loose or missing shingles that need to be repaired or replaced.
Another wintertime tip for Floridian homeowners is scheduling HVAC maintenance. Seize the opportunity to ensure your A/C will be running cool and smoothly when the temperatures begin to rise again next year by having an HVAC professional inspect your home unit for any problems and to perform routine maintenance. This can help catch any problems early on and save you from a disaster when it gets hot outside. Spending the money on routine check-ups is far less expensive than replacing your entire system.
Love spending time just admiring the beauty of your yard each summer? Well, fall is the time for nurturing and feeding that precious green grass. Fall is the perfect time for fertilizing, aerating and removing any old brush around your property. Doing the work in the fall will help ensure you get the best results in the spring.
These are just a few tips to help you get your home ready for winter. Take a tour of your home and property to check for any other issues or potential projects, and make note of things you’d like to change before next spring. Organize your project list and get going on making 2017 the best year your home has ever seen!
