How to Prepare a Home for Fall in Kitsap County

As much as we don't want to admit, Fall is just about here.  Children are headed back to school and the leaves are beginning to fall off the trees in my backyard.  It's time to push the denial about the colder months coming aside and prepare your home for the Fall.

Here are some great tips to get you started:

1.  Climb your ladder to see what's in your gutters. Check your gutters for leaves and debris that have collected over the past few months. You should do this job periodically throughout the fall season, since now is the time when all your beautiful trees are shedding their leaves.

2.  Replace your screens. With the weather becoming cooler, you need to remove your screens from all windows and doors and replace them with storm windows. By taking the time to do this simple job, you cut your heating costs significantly by preventing cool breezes and cold drafts from entering your home.

3.  Call out the heating professionals. It may not seem necessary to you because your heating system is working well, but every year, a heating professional should check your furnace. By taking this preventative measure and making minor fixes now, you can avoid expensive repair jobs in the future.

4.  Change the furnace filter. This very important job helps maximize the efficiency with which your furnace runs. You can do this periodically throughout the year as well.

5.  Schedule an appointment with the chimney sweep. If you're in the habit of taking advantage of cozy fires during the winter, you need to have your chimney cleaned by a certified professional every year. Not having your chimney clean before winter use increases the chance of chimney fires due to the buildup of creosote and soot.

6.  Add weather stripping where necessary. After you install all of your storm windows, do your own inspection of all windows and doors to check for problem areas. Repair any damage and apply weather stripping or caulk to seal up any gaps.

7.  Pest-proof your house. Take the time to thoroughly check the outside of your house for any areas that provide entry for mice, raccoons and the like. These little guys are looking for a warm place to bunk this winter, and unless you plan on charging them rent, you don't want them in your house.

These great tips were provided by eHow.

If you'd have a home to maintain, now is a great time to buy in Kitsap County.  Please call Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 so we start finding the perfect home for you to weather all the seasons in.