Autumn to-do’s around the house

Autumn to-do’s around the house

The beginning of October not only marks the beginning of fall but the crisp mornings and cool evenings are a reminder that much of the coming months will be spent indoors.

According to Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association, preparing your home for the fall/winter will help ensure your home is safe, efficient and comfortable in the coming months.

To Dorner, “When it comes to safety, make sure to have your furnace inspected by a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor, clean (or replace) your natural gas furnace filter, test your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector, and get your fireplace inspected and serviced, if necessary.”

In terms of efficiency and comfort, a simple checklist will help you keep track of the housekeeping tasks that will help keep your home comfortable (and warm) this fall/winter.

Bear in mind that according to Hydro One, up to 40 per cent of home heat loss is due to air leakage so ensuring that your home is properly sealed is key to preventing heat from escaping and keeping the cold air out.

Indoor Spaces:

• Launder or dry-clean blankets

• Replace warm-weather bedding and clothing with cool-weather bedding and clothing

• Rotate lightweight curtains, rugs, and throws for heavier ones

• Consider replacing old windows and doors with new energy efficient options – look for the Energy Rating (ER) that takes into account window size, glazing, frame construction and spacers

Outdoor Spaces:

• Clean gutters and windows

• Scrub porch floors, decks, patios, the driveway, and walkways, cover air conditioning unit

• Check windows and doors for cracks around the framing; fixing the caulking if you notice any cracks or separations

• Turn off your outside water supply from the inside, while leaving outside taps open

Making sure your home is safe and efficient will help keep you and your family comfortable this fall. If you are thinking of selling your home, make sure to speak to your Realtor about fall staging tips.