When stores start selling Halloween candy an entire month before the haunted day, it’s a good reminder to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the upcoming change of seasons.

It may seem too early to focus on fall maintenance projects, but preparing for the chilly weather now will enhance and protect one of your most significant investments: your home. The best part is that many of these projects can be done at little or no cost and can help you save money on your energy bills.

Here are five projects to tackle before the leaves start to fall:

Caulk the Gaps Around Your Home

Heated air can escape from gaps that develop where building materials meet. Some of the most common areas include where exterior siding meets windows and doors, around roof and foundation lines, around chimneys, and where pipes protrude through walls or roofs. Check those locations to see if any gaps have formed, and if so, apply the appropriate caulk or sealant. 

Check Ceiling and Roof Insulation

Heat rises, meaning heat from your home can escape through vulnerable roof areas. The most efficient way to stop that heat loss is by installing ceiling and roof insulation with an R-value of approximately R-15 or R-21. The R-value refers to any material’s ability to resist heat passage.

Weatherproof Your Windows and Doors

Ensure that your storm windows and doors effectively keep warm air in and cold air out. Look for any cracks around glass, sashes, and window frames. Apply adhesive foam weather strips to the top and bottom window rails or nail felt weatherstripping where window sashes, and frames make contact. Newer homes are much more likely to have double—or triple-paned windows, which can dramatically improve energy efficiency.

Keep a Close Eye on the Gutters

Gutters and downspouts can easily become clogged over time, even if they have guards intended to keep out debris. Regularly inspect and clean gutters thoroughly, paying special attention to elbows and bends in the downspouts. Keep hangers fastened securely and plug any holes or cracks. You can also touch up any sections showing signs of rust with rustproof paint.

Augment Your Heating Unit

Consider replacing an older or inefficient heating unit with a gas or oil furnace or a heat pump with a high-efficiency rating. If your system is already efficient, be sure to inspect it regularly and change filters monthly. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can help save money by automatically adjusting temperatures while you are sleeping or when no one is home.

Performing routine home maintenance projects like these can immediately lower your energy bills and maintain your family’s safety. They also offer the long-term benefits of prolonging the life of your home and enhancing its value.

Although Irons Brothers Construction doesn’t perform maintenance, if your project is more than you can handle, don’t hesitate to contact us at www.ironsbc.com and see if we can help. Happy Fall

— By Melissa Irons, Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.