Fall is officially here, and the first frost is soon to follow. Along with the arrival of colder weather are a number of key maintenance tasks homeowners should tackle in order to prevent structural damage, save energy and keep their home’s systems running properly.
By completing these tasks now, you will allow plenty of time to sit back and enjoy all the fun activities typical of the festive autumn season:
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Clear all debris from your gutters, even if you have a covered gutter system. Any leaves or other materials left in the gutters can freeze and damage the gutters themselves, and could also force freezing water up under your shingles and damage the roof.
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Start the season with new wicks for your portable humidifier, and also check your air filters. In addition, be sure to clean the humidifier every few weeks throughout the winter to keep it free of mold, bacteria and mineral deposits.
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Protect your outdoor air conditioning unit from icicles and snow by placing a sheet of plywood over the top and draping a dropcloth over it. When doing so, don’t create a fully enclosed space, as that can trap moisture and offer a cozy winter home for rodents.
