'FALL' Maintenance Tips for Your Home...

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

We, SERVPRO of Tracy would like to give you some inside tips...So, Autumn is already here. Now is the perfect time to tidy up and prepare your home for the chilly months to come. It’s an ideal time to get work done before shorter days prevent you from taking proactive measures. On the list below, we have gathered information on what you can do to make sure your home is in great shape all season round this Autumn.

1. Take care of your trees   

Make rounds throughout your front and backyard to make sure that your trees and bushes are in good condition and under control. Taking care to prune any precarious branches now will prevent any falling limbs once winter storms come along. Winter storms have been known to take down many tree limbs in the area, so it’s smart to tidy up before it becomes a headache later.

   2.   Rake your leaves

This tip seems intuitive, but many people love the look of fallen leaves on their yards. What they don’t realize is that leaves left throughout the season on your lawn, can prevent spring growth. Whether you use a leaf blower or a rake, just be sure to gather all leaves.

Pro-Tip: Be sure to wear gloves to make sure you don’t damage your hands.

   3.  Clean out your gutters

During the later part of Fall (like November) be sure to clear out your gutters and downspouts. The reason? Clogged gutters can cause water to pool, which can damage your roof or siding. By cleaning it out, you’re making sure that your outdoor drainage system is in peak condition before winter comes along.

   4.  Add Weatherstripping

Applied to the frames of any door or window, weatherstripping is an easy way to make sure your home is warm and your heating bills are cut. Also, consider adding a door sweeps to your doors leading to the outside (front, back, garage, etc) to make sure that a draft doesn’t follow you when you enter or exit.

   5.  Take down the window A/C units.

Summer is now behind us, so be sure to box away all of your air conditioning units. Can’t remove them? Then cover the entire exterior with an insulating wrap (Easily found at any hardware store) This will prevent cold air from coming into your home.

   6.  Clean Your Dryer Vents

The lint that collects in your dryer is actually dangerous. Besides making your dryer less efficient, it can actually start a fire. With cool, dry weather comes an increase in static electricity. The result? That lint collecting in your dryer can catch on fire. Reduce the risk by hiring a SERVPRO of Tracy professional to clean out the vents for you...

   7.  Schedule a chimney and heating system check-up

Getting ready to turn up the heat? First, make sure that your chimney, furnace, and boiler are cleaned, maintained, and in working order. It’s a crucial safety measure that should not be taken lightly.

   8.  Deep clean your kitchen

With Thanksgiving around the bend, it’s a great time to give your kitchen a deep clean. This makes sure that your space is not only efficient, but looking good too! Some areas to look out for:

• Clean the oven
• Vacuum the refrigerator coils
• Clean light fixtures
• Wash out your garbage and recycling bins
• Clean small appliances
• Degrease and wipe down the range hood and filter.

     9.  Check Your Smoke Detector

The cooler months are when fires are most likely to occur, with heating systems and fireplaces being used. Take special care to test smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors. Also, make sure you have a current fire extinguisher (i.e. not expired!) Use precaution, by checking on these safety devices, you are proactively taking care of your entire home!

If there is ever IS a fire in your home, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Tracy to take care of any damage. As always, we encourage our community to be safe and take all caution.

That’s our list! Fall is, arguably, the most beautiful season. Leaves falling, crisp air all around. In between pumpkin patches, apple picking, and drinking spiced lattes, make sure that you give your home some TLC. 

Let us know which of our Maintenance Tips you will try out first by tagging us on social media.

• Call SERVPRO of Tracy. We are always here for your needs..
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