Bust out the scarves and pull out your gloves – San Antonio’s “cozy” version of Fall is here, and we’re ready for it! Being a native Texan means being excited that the weather is not in the 100s for a change. Along with the weather, we can expect the need to make some changes around the house, so we’ve got you prepared with our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist 2019.
Indoors
- Have your fireplace professionally cleaned. The pros may notice things you wouldn’t normally notice, like birds nests or dangerous build-up.
- Have your air conditioner professionally serviced. The last thing you’d want is for your heater to bail on you during the cold months.
- Change your bedding from summer bedding to winter bedding. The cozier you are at night, the less likely you’ll have to run the heater and rack up utility bills.
- Check on the hot water heater. You will not want to be without hot water during the cold months, and a professional plumber can help ensure your water heater is in tip-top condition.
- Reverse your fans to turn clockwise to circulate warm air. Your chilled toes and fingers will thank you later.
- Check all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries if needed.
Outdoors
- Wrap exposed pipes with foam, or towels, to prevent bursting.
- Cut back hanging or dead branches from trees so the cold, winter wind won’t knock them down on your home.
- Cut back hanging or dead branches from trees so the cold, winter wind won’t knock them down on your home.
- Check the doors for damaged weather stripping. Stand outside in the dark with a light on in the house to check for cracks.
- Clean out gutters so that fall leaves don’t get clogged up. You’ll be glad you did when you don’t have to stand out on a ladder in the cold rain scooping dead leaves out of the downspouts.
- Check your exterior paint for any cracks or wear. Cracks should be fixed before the cold weather creates further damage.
Vehicles
- Change your air filter. Some drivers notice a funny smell in their car when they turn on the heater for the first time in a long time, so consider starting the year fresh with a new air filter in your car.
- Have a snow-scraper handy for those random Texas ice storms. DO NOT pour hot water on your windshield to melt ice, or you’ll be making an embarrassing call to a mechanic. Allow your car to warm up a bit before hitting the road. You’ll want all moving parts under the hood to be nice and warm before you head out on the icy streets.
- Prepare a “just-in-case” bag with snacks, blankets, flashlights, and other tools for preparedness in case you get stranded during an ice storm.
- Check and double-check any children’s car seats for proper installation and seatbelt locks. No one wants to go ice skating in the car on a slippery road, so be extra cautious while driving, especially with children in the vehicle.
- Get your tires checked. You’ll want to make sure they are extra grippy and not worn for the safest traveling during the fall.
In the Yard
- Rake up dead leaves and any other fall foliage that can clog drainage ways.
- Wrap or cover any large potted plants that cannot be moved. Consider moving smaller, more portable plants to the indoors so they’d won’t freeze.
- Have some salt ready. No, not for the mashed potatoes. Have a container of salt ready to shake onto any concrete stones in the yard that you use for walking to-and-from your front door. Guests should be encouraged to be safe while walking on stepping stones that they’re not used to.
In the Garage
- Clear out the garage and make room for your vehicle, if possible. The more you can protect your car from ice, hail, or any other dangerous substance, the better.
- Be wary that nature’s critters will be seeking warmth during the cold months. Close off any holes or access points so that nothing can “sneak” in for shelter. If you have a soft heart for strays, create a warm hideaway box on your front porch, and don’t handle any wild creatures that aren’t native to your home.
Overall, be safe this fall and take care of your home, inside and out, to avoid future problems and expenses.
In case you missed it: “Life Insurance Through Everyday Objects” shares some facts about child life insurance that you may not have expected, including other uses for a policy besides death. Call us, or even email us, to talk through your options with one of our agents today.
