To the excitement of PSL lovers, and the disappointment of beach-fanatics everywhere, summer is over. The days of shorts and sitting by the pool are being replaced with sweaters and bonfires.

We all know that our wardrobe shifts with the introduction of colder weather, but have you ever thought about the changes that need to happen for your home? (I’m talking more than just putting some pumpkins on your porch… even though that is an important part of fall preparation.)

Here is a checklist to help you prepare for the colder weather:

1. Turn off your outdoor faucets

                No one wants bursting pipes… The good news is that there is an easy fix! Drain and disconnect all outside hoses to prevent them from freezing when the temperature really drops.

2. Clean out your gutters

              Once a year you should be clearing out anything that has gotten into your guttering, and the semi-cool weather of fall makes it the perfect time to check. Water overflow from clogged 
              gutters can cause foundation damage, mold and mildew problems, and even potential flooding.

3. Fix those driveway cracks!

             Winter weather makes these cracks worse (you know… water gets in, freezes, expands, and crumbles the concrete even more…) Grab some concrete crack sealer from your local hardware
             store and avoid major potholes later!

4. Replace batteries

            You don’t have to wait for that annoying beeping telling you to change the batteries in your smoke detector! Go ahead and change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon
            monoxide devices once a year to make sure everything is working properly.

5. Store your outdoor furniture

           Even though it is called “outdoor furniture,” keeping it clean and stored through the colder months can help you get a longer life out of your favorite summer chairs. Snow and ice can do
          damage to seat covers and more.

6. Get your yard prepped

          Apply fertilizer to your lawn in the fall, while the roots are still active. This will prevent damage throughout the winter, and will ensure that your grass is the envy of all your neighbors.

7. Have your chimney inspected

          Cold weather = hot chocolate by the fireplace… but you need to make sure it is safe! Hire a professional to clean and inspect your chimney if you plan to use it throughout the winter.

By keeping your house safe, you will not only save money on potential bills, but you can be confident that you are ready for anything that the colder weather may bring!

If you are looking for home insurance, give Swisher Insurance a call today at 502-340-1200. We can make sure that your home is covered no matter what season it is!

Sources:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/a22652916/fall-home-maintenance-checklist/

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-smart-tips-to-get-your-home-ready-for-fall.html