End Of Summer Home Maintenance

Here at Blue Ridge Heating & air, we know how important home maintenance is, and also how keeping up with things can get past you sometimes.  As good neighbors, we want to help, so we thought we’d share our list of things to do at the end of summer to make sure your home is ready for the cold weather ahead.  After all, making some quick checks and repairs now beats the heck out of having to do them when it’s freezing outside!

Exterior Maintenance

1. Inspect your Roof: Check for any damaged or missing shingles and make necessary repairs. (If the neighbor’s kid has a drone, ask to borrow it to check!)
2. Clean the Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent clogging and water damage.
3. Check the Siding: Look for any signs of damage, rot, or insects.
4. Paint Touch-Ups: Address any peeling or chipping paint on the exterior of your home.
5. Seal Cracks: Inspect the foundation and walkways for cracks and seal them to prevent water intrusion. That Flex Seal stuff does a great job!
6. Window and Door Inspection: Check for gaps and re-caulk or replace weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency- this can save you a ton of money on your monthly energy bills!
7. Deck and Patio: Inspect for any damage or wear, and clean or reseal as needed.
8. Chimney Inspection: Ensure the chimney is clean and free of obstructions. If you have a wood burning fire place, consider getting your chimney cleaned inside as well- creosote can build up over time and lead to potential fires.

Yard and Garden

1. Lawn Care: Aerate the lawn, apply fertilizer, and reseed any bare spots.
2. Trim Trees and Bushes: Cut back any overgrown branches and shrubs.This can really pay off especially during winter storms.
3. Garden Beds: Remove any dead plants and add mulch to protect against winter weather.
4. Irrigation System: Check for leaks and drain the system if necessary.
5. Outdoor Furniture: Clean and store away or cover outdoor furniture.

HVAC System

1. Service the Furnace: Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning before the heating season.
2. Replace Filters: Change the air filters in your HVAC system.
3. Check Vents: Ensure vents are clean and unobstructed.
4. Check Your Outside Unit: Remove any leaves and debris and trim any plant growth to make sure there’s 2- 3 ft of room around the unit on all sides.

Interior Maintenance

1. Check Insulation: Inspect attic and wall insulation and add more if needed.
2. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries as needed.
3. Draft Prevention: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal them. Again, that Flex Seal stuff does an amazing job!
4. Plumbing Inspection: Check for any leaks or drips and repair them.

Miscellaneous

1. Safety Check: Inspect and replace any fire extinguishers if necessary.
2. Pest Control: Check for signs of pests and take preventive measures if needed. Along with crack sealing, this will help prevent mice from visiting when the weather turns.
3. Energy Efficiency: Consider adding or updating insulation, and check for energy-efficient upgrades.

We hope this list helps you prepare for the winter ahead.  Be sure to give us a call here at Blue Ridge Heating & Air if you need to schedule your Fall heater/furnace inspection and tune-up, so you can get on the schedule. We’re always here to help, and help ensure you stay safe and warm this winter!