Seasons are changing. We are preparing to spend much of our time inside as the winds pick up and the temperatures start to fall. It's easier to prepare your home for the colder weather while it's still warm than to fix things when the snow is falling. Getting a head start on any repairs or maintenance projects is the best way to avoid having to worry about that when the weather is bad. Here are a few tips on that.

8 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Be Observant

Keep an eye out for damages. Look at your roof, windows, and sidewalks; clear debris off your roof and away from your foundation. Clean your gutters and wash your windows. Fix any damage that you find. If you are unsure how to fix something, call a professional and ask him to look at the damage.

Check Your Windows and Doors for Drafts

During the cooler months of the year, you want to keep the warm in and the cold out. If the warm air can escape, the cooler air can get inside when the wind starts blowing. Check your windows and doors for drafts. Look closely at the weather stripping and replace any pieces that look damaged or worn.

Dry Things Out

Before the freezing temps hit, you will want to drain the water out of your garden hoses and small water receptacles outside. Go into your basement or crawlspace and look for any areas that appear to be wet or moist. Check your water heater for leaks or rust spots that may indicate small leaks or damage.

Clean Your Air Vents and Filters

Your HVAC system is complex and runs throughout your home. Check your vents and sweep out your ductwork. Make sure all of your air vents are clear, including the ones in your attic. Change your furnace filter and make it a point to clean out your dryer hose that leads outside.

Check Your Furnace

You use your furnace in the winter, so you need to make repairs if necessary. Call your HVAC professional and have them inspect your entire system. They can identify any potential problems and correct them. They can also recommend energy-saving ideas that will save you some money over the coming months.

Have Your Fireplace Professionally Cleaned

If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, clean it carefully. If you have a chimney, it should be swept professionally to remove any creosote or soot that has built up. While at that, you should also check the chimney cap to make sure there are no birds' nests.

Have Your Fire Extinguishers Checked

Fire extinguishers have expiration dates. Check your extinguishers regularly to ensure they have not expired. If they are close to expiring, call your local fire department or have a company that recharges them to come to your home and swap them out with new ones.

Check Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Since you will be spending more time indoors than out, you should ensure that your smoke detectors are in working order. These two devices must be checked every six months to ensure that they are ready to serve you in cooler seasons. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector

Further Steps to Take

Preparing your home for the upcoming fall and winter months is the best way to ensure that you have an uneventful winter. The agents at Bell Black Insurance are ready to talk to you about the best ways to protect your home. Call today to schedule your annual insurance review or to find out more about winterizing your home.