|
As much as we hate to do it, there comes a point when it’s time to call an end to the balmy days of summer and prepare for the fall and winter months.
While cleaning is obviously one small part of the process (it’s suggested you clean the inside of your house as you would in the spring), the cooler months mean a time for de-cluttering, repairing and preparing your home to be closed up until it gets warm outside.
The fall is the best time to begin some of those outdoor chores that will help you through a problem-free winter.
First, if you have trees on your property, make sure to rake away fallen leaves and compost or burn (check your local safety laws first) the ones you might gather from the yard. Also, fall is the perfect time to trim bushes back away from the house. It not only looks good but can reduce the chance of insect problems and mold and mildew growth on your plants.
On the house, clean out the gutters and check for leaks and plugged downspouts. While on the roof, clean your chimney, fireplace or wood stove and make sure it’s in working order. This is also a good time to check your home for cracks in the foundation or walls and have them sealed before it gets cold.
In the garage, toss all old paint, varnishes etc. and keep any products you keep in a safe dry place. While you’re there, drain the gas from lawnmowers and other yard equipment you won’t need during winter.
Inside the house, clean all the windows and frames and weather-proof where needed, replacing old, dry, cracked stripping. Replace the furnace air filters and clean the vents and ducts, as well.
While servicing the furnace and ducts, why not consider installing a central vacuum system? A central vacuum system is perfect for the cooler months when air becomes trapped in a tightly closed house. Central vacuums blow no air into the room meaning all the captured particulates vacuumed are deposited into a collection receptacle located in a garage, basement or utility room, away from your living space. They’re affordable too. A Beam Central Vacuum System can be purchased for as little as $1,000.
With your new central vacuum, it’s the perfect time to winter clean the house. Use the same process you would use during spring cleaning, only consider using more organic cleaning products. During winter, windows and doors remain tightly closed causing a toxic build up of chemicals which can lead to some health problems.
Lastly, for safety’s sake, replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors and double check your fire extinguisher to make sure it’s in working order. If you do not have one, get one. You never know when you might need it in the dry conditions of winter.
|
