Here in Olathe, the weather really can turn quickly, can't it? It seems like just a week ago it was hot and dry. Now cooler, rainy weather has arrived, which is always a sure sign that autumn and winter are just around the corner. This means that it's high time to do a little autumn maintenance around the house to make sure that your home and your HVAC system are ready for cooler weather. We've prepared a handy list to help you get started. Print it out this weekend, and let's get to it!
Get an Early Start. Once cold weather arrives, it's already too late to do some of the items on this list. You don't want to wait until the first freeze to get a furnace tune-up, for example. Don't get caught off guard. Get an Olathe heating and cooling service professional to look at your furnace before the first big cold snap hits.
Have Your Furnace Inspected. What did we just say? It's not just about keeping things running when you need them. Getting a bi-annual HVAC system tune-up will help ensure that your heating and cooling system runs as efficiently as possible and lasts longer with fewer problems. Plus, you can get ahead on issues that might be coming up before they become serious. It's better to know that you need a repair now than to be stuck without heat in the middle of a blizzard in a few months.
Inspect the Siding and Trim. Weather can do a number on your home's siding, and that goes for hot weather as well as cold. As the leaves start to fall, it's a good idea to inspect your siding and look for areas that are buckled, warped, cracked, or split. Your siding is your home's first line of defense against the cold, so you'll definitely want to fix any problems before frigid weather sets in.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts. Speaking of falling leaves, while you're outside checking the siding anyway, get up on a ladder and make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. If your gutters can't drain properly, snow and water can collect on your roof in the fall and winter, which can do some serious damage to your roof and even cause leaks into the rest of your house.
Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostat. A "smart" programmable thermostat that can adjust to your schedule can save you a bundle on your heating bills. In fact, it can save you so much that we wrote a whole article about how handy and efficient these little gadgets are. Plus, there's no better feeling than knowing that your home will be just the temperature you want when you first get out of bed in the morning or when you get home from work.
Replace the Air Filters. When you get a furnace tune-up, we'll replace your furnace filter, but it's a good idea for you to replace it every few months or so, too. Your furnace has to work a lot harder when the filter is clogged, after all. How often you should change your filter varies a little depending on your HVAC system and what kinds of filters you use. If you have questions about where to find the right size of filter, what kind of filter you should be using, or how often you should replace it, just give us a call and we'll walk you through it.
Check Basement Windows. If you have a basement, that's probably where your furnace is located. While you're down there replacing the filter anyway, check the windows to be sure that they sit squarely in their frames and don't have cracks or other gaps where cold air can get in. If they do, you may be able to fix them yourself with a little caulk or weather stripping.
Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors. It's a good idea to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure that they have fresh batteries. It's especially important to do this during the cold winter months when the house is shut up and the furnace is running a lot. Don't forget to check the smoke detectors in out-of-the-way parts of your house.
Open the Curtains and Blinds. Soon enough it will be so cold outside that you'll have to run your furnace to stay warm, but this is the time of year when your home's temperature can often be regulated with a little natural light. Throw open those curtains and blinds while the sun is shining and let nature warm your house up for free!
Bug-proof the House. As the weather turns cold, all sorts of little pests are going to start looking for a warm place to stay, and you don't want to make your house too inviting. Fortunately, we've written a whole article about how to keep your home HVAC system free from bugs all year long, and most of that advice applies to the rest of your house, too!
Keep an Eye on the Weeds and Leaves. While you're walking the property, check to make sure that any weeds, leaves, grass clippings, or other debris haven't accumulated around your air conditioner or heat pump. These appliances need airflow to work properly, and nearby weeds or other debris can impair their performance and cause potentially serious problems.
Did We Mention the Fall Furnace Tune-up? Yes, we know we did, but it bears repeating. This is the perfect time to have an Olathe heating and cooling service professional take a look at your furnace to make sure that everything is ready to go before you really need it. Doing this will help you stay warm AND save money all winter long.
Here at Davenport Service Company, we're here to help with lots of the items on this list, whether you need help choosing the right furnace filter or need to schedule an HVAC system tune-up in Olathe. Just give us a call at 913-441-2222 today, and we'll help you get ready for cold weather!
