Beyond Custom Elgin IL Contractor

Fall is upon us, and soon enough there will be leaf raking instead of mowing and tending to necessary maintenance and checks for the home and yard. Fall home maintenance can take on many forms and there are may things you can do right now to keep your home in tip top shape and also save money and avoid costly repairs. Here are our top 10 fall home maintenance tips that will hep you save money and enjoy the season even more:

1. Clean out the AC:Before all of the cold weather sets in, unplug your AC units and give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. If you are not running window units during the cooler moths, clean them well then cover them to protect them while they are not in use.
2. Keep your roof well maintained:Be sure to inspect your roof and keep it in tip-top shapes heading into the winter months. Check for any loose shingles or granules or any other signs of damage or potential problems areas. Snow brings with it water as it melts and any weak areas in your roof can be a prime entry way, leading to water damage in your home.
3. Check your windows:Weatherstripping that is on your windows needs to be inspected and replaced if it is worn and cracked. If your windows are cracked, do not open or close fully, or feel extra drafty, then it is time for a replacement. Keeping your windows in good working order helps prevent heat and cooling loss and saves a bundle of money! Air can leak in and out of any cracks and gaps in the windows so check them carefully and try to get them replaced as soon as possible.
4. Tend to your gutters:Gutters help prevent torrential downpours from flooding and pooling on your roof. But if the gutters are clogged and cant drain this is exactly what happens- and that can cause major water damage to your roof! Be sure to clean out your gutters from all debris this fall.
5. Winterize the sprinkler systems: After the fall comes winter and for many areas that means freezing temperatures.Frozen water in the plumbing lines can cause a lot of damage. Empty hoses and pack them away and make sure you insulate outdoor faucets and any outdoor plumbing that will be used during the winter as well.
6. Check the siding:Make sure you inspect any siding that is on your home for indications of aging, including cracks, peeling paint, or even rot and decay. If your siding is made of wood and is starting to wear out then an upgrade to vinyl may be needed. If your vinyl siding is wearing out some repairs or new siding may also be needed. Keeping the siding in good condition helps insulate your home and save you money on heating and cooling bills!
7. Inspect the front door:The main door to your home is where everyone comes and goes and is often the one that wears out the fastest. Check the entry way door for signs of splitting, gaps, cracks, and any issue with shutting or opening or locking the door. Hot air can leak out during the winter and in the summer moth cool air can be lost through the gaps and cracks so make sure you are not wasting money by dealing with front door issues now rather than later.
8. Sweep your chimney:For any home that has a fireplace, sweeping out your chimney is one very important home maintenance task that is usually best done in the cooler months. Clogged chimneys present a major safety hazard as many fires can start in the chimney due to the accumulation of soot and debris and a spontaneous combustion that is triggered by burning creosote. Sweep out the chimney and fireplace every year at the minimum to keep everything safe and healthy for you and family all winter long.
9. Schedule maintenance for you HVAC system:A licensed trained and professional HVAC technician can help you identify what maintenance needs your system may have and will let you know what is required to keep everything running efficiently. Nothing is worse than being in the middle of a winter storm and have the heat go out- so make sire you invest in a good cleaning and inspection now!
10. Adjust the temperature:Setting the temperature on your water heater to just 120 degrees will help cut energy usage by more than 15% and will thus save you money. The same holds true for the thermostat on the heat and air conditioner- setting it at 78 instead of 75 will save you hundreds on your energy bill every year!

For even more tips and ideas on how to prepare and maintain your home this season, give us a call at (630) 806-1690 and see  what we can do for you and how we can help you prepare and take care of the biggest investment you will ever make – your home.