Fall is a beautiful season, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy milder temperatures and many outdoor activities. Whether you’re ready to watch your children play soccer or\ have plans for some fishing outings, you can relish the beauty of the outdoors as you gear up for your favorite activities in the South. It’s also an important time for your home, and you don’t want to neglect important fall chores and home repairs. Here are four important steps for making sure your home is in tip-top shape before winter sets in.

Clear Yard Debris

Yard maintenance can be a never-ending job, but it’s important to pay close attention to materials that could affect your heat pump during the winter months. Whether you rely strictly on a heat pump for winter heating or use a hybrid approach that merges electric and gas heating solutions, you need to be sure that your condenser unit is clear of debris and shrubbery. As the leaves fall, you may have to review this area more than once.
Inspect and Maintain Your Attic

Your roofing system includes inside and outside components, and the attic portion of the system can play a critical role in home comfort levels. Take time to make sure that seasonal rainfall during previous months hasn’t damaged your insulation, and replace deteriorating material if moisture or mold is noted. Supplement the current insulation if you can see the floor joists. Review soffit vents to ensure that ventilation of the area isn’t restricted.
Clean Windows and Replace Caulk

As you clean your windows before winter arrives, take time to observe the condition of your sealing materials, checking for cracks or missing sections. Replacement of this material is easy and affordable, and the impact on air leaks is important. Check your doors, too, to be sure that weather stripping is intact. You’ll appreciate being able to see the beautiful fall and winter scenery without worrying about your home comfort levels being compromised.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance

A thorough inspection of your heating equipment should be completed well in advance of winter temperatures arriving. An ignored heating system may result in unexpected repair needs at a time when the demand for service is on the rise. By scheduling in advance, you have time to be sure that broken or worn parts can be replaced and that other serious issues can be addressed.
Your heating maintenance is also a critical safety measure, especially if you operate a combustion system such as a boiler or furnace. Carbon monoxide leaks can be deadly, making it a priority to have your equipment checked during the fall. Your technician may also recommend carbon monoxide alarms if you don’t currently have them installed.
A related HVAC maintenance issue is that of duct cleaning. If your ducts haven’t been inspected recently, it may be important to have an inspection and cleaning to remove old debris that could expose your air supply to germs, bacteria, and other objectionable particulates. Lee’s Air Conditioning is available for a full range of preventive and repair services this fall. Call our Lafayette office for an appointment.