The temperatures are gradually dropping here in Northeast Ohio, and fall is here to stay. Lorain area homeowners should already be checking items off their fall home maintenance lists. If you haven’t completed it yet, don’t fret; you still have some time. Make sure to check off these fall home maintenance items sooner than later.
Interior Maintenance
- Schedule professional maintenance for your heating system if you haven’t already. Fall maintenance for your furnace or heat pump can boost efficiency and comfort, and protect you from system breakdowns this heating season.
- Seal and insulate your home. By sealing air leaks around windows and doors, and boosting your insulation levels, you can save substantially on your annual energy costs.
- Check your fireplace for cracks and ensure tight seal around the fireplace door. You’ll also want to make sure your chimney is clean and clear of obstructions.
- Switch your ceiling fan to the clockwise direction. This creates an upward draft that recirculates warm air that gathers at the top of a room.
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Test and replace batteries if necessary.
- Clean your humidifier and make sure it’s in good working order for heating system.
Exterior Fall Home Maintenance
- Check for cracks around the exterior for your home. Use caulk or spray foam to seal these problem areas to prevent heat loss throughout the winter.
- Remove your window screens and install storm windows if you have them. Removing screens will keep them from getting damaged during fall and winter storms.
- Inspect your roof for loose and missing shingles, and replace or repair them to prevent leaks and water damage.
- Clean your gutters once the leaves have fallen, or periodically through the fall if you have lots of leafy trees in your yard. Clogged gutters cause ice dams, which can damage your home, and also allow water to spill over and run down into the foundation.
- If you have a pool, check the cover and replace it if you find damage.
- Add weatherstripping to seal your garage door and prevent drafts.
For help completing some of these fall home maintenance items, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping our Lorain area neighbors maintain their homes for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area