School is starting, leaves are getting ready to turn, and before you know it the seasons will change. Here are some tips to get your home ready for autumn.
Schedule a furnace tune-up
Getting your furnace serviced will not only prolong the life of the unit, it will also catch issues before they become costly or dangerous. You don’t need to service your furnace or air conditioner more than once a year each, so be wary of companies selling three-service-per-year plans. Locally, I love Premier Comfort Heating and Cooling. They are small but mighty, fairly priced, and knowledgeable.
Seal up the gaps
As the temperature changes, your home will expand and contract. This will cause gaps in caulk and weatherstripping, and these gaps can let in air, moisture, and even unwanted pests. Weatherstripping can fail over time, so check around exterior doors, check door sweeps and thresholds, and check garage doors, and replace as necessary. Caulking around windows both inside and out will prevent leaks. Like weatherstripping, caulk can fail over time, and if it is failing it will need to be removed before new caulk is applied.
Treat for and prevent pests
Speaking of unwanted pests, mice are cute outside, but inside they can chew through electrical wiring, burrow in walls and insulation, break into your pantry, and multiply very, very quickly. When the temperature drops, they venture indoors in search of warmth, and mice only need a dime-sized opening. If you see any gaps to the outdoors, steel wool or metal mesh stuffed in the gap will prevent mice from shewing their way in. Spraying your points of entry from creepy crawlies will prevent unwanted bugs from setting up camp in your home. Locally, I recommend Pete’s Pest Control and Blue Beetle for both mice and bugs. For bigger visitors such as raccoons, bats, or possums, you’ll need to enlist a pro: many species are protected, and rabies poses a threat if you are bitten. I have had great experiences with Cridder Ridder, and have heard great things about Rottler Pest Solutions as well.
Get your roof inspected
We have had some pretty serious wind shear lately, and hail is hard on a roof, too. Before you call your insurance company, call a trusted roofer to inspect your roof and perform necessary repairs. Locally I like Kiev Companies for replacement, and Down Under Roofing for repair & replacement.
Kelli Sells KC.com 