Get your home in order to save money

Now that summer vacation is over, it’s time to get back to work, right? That’s particularly true when it comes to your home. When it comes to your house, if spring is about cleaning to shake out the winter, the fall is about getting ready to endure (and even flourish) through the winter.

An ounce of preventative maintenance will not only keep things running smoothly, it can help you identify small problems before they become big (and expensive) problems. And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to commit and have a list!

Start outside

Do a scan of your lawn and garden. Are there any trees or shrubs with branches that might pose a threat to your home or to power lines over the winter (think winter storm and branches made heavy with ice or snow)?

Tend to the deck

Did your deck get a good workout during the summer? Lucky you! If there any repairs to be made, tend to them now. Nicks and breaks might become more substantial over the winter with the change in temperature.

Check out your HVAC

If there is a problem with your furnace, you’d like to know now- not in the depths of January. Inspect your furnace for rust and pooling water. Have a listen. Does everything sound right? ‘Weird” noises may be the sign of something brewing. When you identify that, it is time to call someone in.

Take some time to change the air filter in your unit as well. As a minimum, do this seasonally. This will not only help with air quality in your home, but also help with energy efficiency (lower heating bills!).

Check out your plumbing

Do a walk around and see if you can find any leaks around your toilets, tubs or sink (be sure to check under cabinets). A small leak can mean enormous damage and enormous repair bills. Also check things like washing machine hoses and hoses connecting to ice makers in your fridge- which often rupture and cause damage.