Winterizing your home can help you conserve energy and save money. It also helps you avoid costly repairs and replacements. The last thing you want when winter sets in is to call a plumber or an HVAC technician to fix the furnace you failed to check before the temperatures start dropping. Do the top 5 fall maintenance tips below to avoid a costly emergency during winter.

1. Get a Furnace Tune-Up

To avoid paying skyrocketing heating bills, we recommend calling an HVAC technician for a tune-up. During the appointment, the technician will check all components of your heating system to ensure it's still in top shape. If there are issues, he will do the necessary repairs to ensure you're comfortable the entire winter. Additionally, don't forget to replace dirty filters to keep your system efficient. Keep your furnace clean to protect your home and prevent gas leaks.

2. Inspect the Roof

During the fall, find time to look for any signs of wear and tear on your roof. Watch out for piles of leaves or debris as this might lead to roof damage eventually. Check for any missing or curled shingles and ensure they're replaced or repaired. Don't forget to also check your attic and examine the gutters. You may need some binoculars and a ladder to help you get a better look at your roof. For safety purposes though, we recommend getting a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofer can identify problems that can help you save money down the road.

3. Check for Any Air Leaks and Seal Them

You can reduce your utility bills during winter by sealing all air leaks during the fall. Detect any air leaks in your home by checking the exterior caulking around your windows and doors. You might want to also switch to energy-efficient windows and doors to save money every month. If there are leaks, use weatherstripping or caulking to seal them.

4. Clean Your Gutters

Problems with gutters during the winter can jeopardize your home's foundation and drainage system. Blockages in your gutters can damage them and lead to a catastrophic roof emergency. During the fall, we recommend cleaning your gutters by removing twigs, leaves and other debris to prevent a major emergency that might cost you a fortune.

5. Remove Garden Hoses

When the temperature drops to freezing and the garden hoses are still attached to the faucets, the water inside the faucet can freeze and damage the plumbing pipes. You don't want to deal with frozen pipes as this can lead to a costly repair and you might not be able to use water during the winter when this happens. We recommend removing the garden hoses as well as shutting off the valves to prevent frozen pipes.

Are You Ready for Winter?

The tips above should help you better prepare for winter. You can protect your home from the elements and your pocket from costly repairs. Visit our website for more tips or contact us if you're planning to find a new home.