Autumn is the perfect time for apple picking, pick up football games, and lazy Sundays curled up by the fireplace. While those are important activities for you to do with your family and friends, you also need to ensure your home gets a little TLC. Here's a list of things you should plan to do in the next few weeks to ensure your home is ready for winter:
1. Clean Out Gutters
You might need to do this more than once this fall, but keeping your gutters free of fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris is key to preventing excess wear on your roof, walls, and foundation.
2. Caulk Areas Where Wind And Water Can Get In
Keep your heating bill at bay by making sure your home is as airtight as possible. Go around all the windows and fill in gaps with caulk. If there is an area on your roof that's been leaking, take the time to patch it up. As an extra layer of protection — especially if your home is old — seal your windows with plastic.
3. Wrap Water Pipes Along Outside Walls
For those who have problems with water pipes freezing in winter, be proactive and wrap them now. It will take a bit of time, but it ensures you’ll have running water all winter long.
4. Clean And Replace Filters And Batteries
Replace your furnace filters and clean the ducts to prepare for turning the heat on. Change out your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Replace expired fire extinguishers.
5. Update Home Owners Insurance Policy
As you are doing physical updates to your property, go through your homeowners insurance policy. Make sure the coverage amounts are correct. If you've done any improvements, make sure to have the additional value reflected in a new policy.
6. Clean The Fireplace
A good cleaning of your fireplace and chimney will help you find any issues that need fixed before you start using it for winter. Don't forget to stock up on firewood, so that you've got a supply to carry you through the coldest months.
With the exception of updating your homeowners insurance policy, all of these tasks can be outsourced if you don't have the time. Luckily, you're not on your own with your insurance either. An agent handles the work; you just need to start the process. Contact us today to help you update your Tarzana home insurance policy.