Autumn is officially here! That means cooler weather is on the way, even though it still feels more like summer right now. Before the cold weather gets here, though, you've still got a little time to prepare your home (and everyone in it) for autumn. That means doing that last-minute cleaning to help prepare your home for being closed up during the cold months. It's also probably time for your bi-annual tune-up from the Olathe heating and cooling pros at Davenport!

Like it or not, houses in Olathe spend more time closed up during the cooler months of autumn and winter. That's bad news for your indoor air quality, and it's not good for those who live inside the house. Without fresh air coming in from outside, germs and bacteria can circulate within the home, and you've set up a perfect recipe for dust mites and other allergens.

Before cooler weather arrives, here are 12 household cleaning tips that can help your home and everyone in it be ready for fall!

1. Start with a thorough wipe-down plan. When you close up the house, you want there to be as little dust and bacteria in the place as you can manage. That means wiping down pretty much every surface you can think of with an antibacterial cleanser. You're bound to miss some spots, so focus on "high risk" areas such as the kitchen and bathroom and anything that you touch on a regular basis, such as doorknobs, bannisters, the refrigerator door, etc.

2. Tackle the electronics while you're at it. Even if they don't look dirty, you know they are. When we think about stuff in the house that we touch every day, the TV remote and computer keyboard are definitely on that list, right? Also, help get rid of dust by cleaning your computer and wiping everything down.

3. Clean the carpets. Speaking of dust, carpets are a big culprit when it comes to capturing dust, dirt, and debris, not to mention mites and bacteria. Having your carpets professionally cleaned is not just about making your carpets look better, even though it will do that. A good carpet cleaning will help prevent contaminants from being released into the air. While you're at it, consider cleaning anything else that might trap these problem particles such as sofas and pillows, and flip your mattresses.

4. Wash all the bedding. It doesn't do any good to clean the carpet and the couch if all your bedding isn't clean, too. Sure, you probably wash the linens on a regular basis, but now's the time to clean those more challenging items such as comforters and duvets, and don't forget the bedding in guest rooms. You may have to take some items to the cleaners, but that's okay.

5. Dust the refrigerator condenser coil. This is probably in the back of your refrigerator, and you know what they say about out of sight, out of mind. But while you don't need to worry about your fridge's condenser coil most of the time, it's a good idea to dust it off once in a while. All you need is a vacuum with a brush attachment. Simply pull your fridge away from the wall and gently vacuum the dust off the coil.

6. Don't forget the blinds! Some types of blinds or curtains can be washed while others can be vacuumed or wiped down with a damp cloth. Check the labels for cleaning instructions. When in doubt, gently vacuum or wipe down blinds and curtains.

7. Wipe down the walls and wash the windows while you're at it. Sure, you probably wipe down the windows when the dog or cats leave nose prints—or the kids leave handprints—on the inside of the glass, but now is a good time to wash the windows thoroughly and also wipe down the walls. Even if the windows or walls don't look dirty, you'll remove any dust or pollen that has collected on them over the summer and help to improve air quality once the house is shut up.

8. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It's important, and there's no better time than right now. Replace batteries even if everything is working fine. You don't want them to stop working when you need them, after all.

9. Empty, wash, and sanitize all waste bins. We throw away tissues and whatever else in trash cans throughout the house, so you know they're not particularly clean. The same goes for the outside trash bins, which you probably keep in your garage when the trash isn't out. Clean and disinfect it all while the weather is still nice.

10. Wipe down baseboards. Maybe you already did this when you were cleaning the walls, but the baseboard that runs along the lowest part of your walls is a dust collector. First use your vacuum's brush attachment, and then wipe the baseboard down with a dampened cloth to get anything you missed.

11. Replace the furnace filter. It's something that you should do every few months. If you haven't replaced your furnace filter in the past month or two, do it now.

12. Get your furnace tuned up and your HVAC system checked. Your Olathe heating and cooling system should be cleaned, checked, and inspected at least twice a year to keep everything running smoothly and keep your utility bills to a minimum. Most places recommend scheduling a check-up as the seasons change, but the best way to stay on top of your regular HVAC maintenance is to get on the Davenport Service Company VIP Program. That way, we simply plan seasonal tune-ups, and you don't even have to worry about remembering to give us a call.

You'll definitely see a difference in overall air quality if you tackle all these autumn cleaning tips, but if your home and its occupants still suffer from poor air quality, you may want to consider an electronic air cleaner. These handy devices help to remove all kinds of contaminants from your indoor air—which are there, no matter how well you clean—and help everyone in the house breathe a little easier.

Whether you're looking for an electronic air cleaner or just need an Olathe heating and cooling system check-up this fall, Davenport Service Company can give your whole family a breath of fresh air when you need it most. Just give us a call at 913-441-2222 today and ask about becoming a part of our VIP Service Program to take the worry out of your home HVAC system.