Preparing Your Home for Fall

Lots of people love checklists. As a writer, checklists keep me organized and focused. As a homeowner, checklists can keep my home in tip-top shape. Here are four fall home projects worth the work.
1. Reverse your ceiling fans. Reverse your fans so that the blades will send air upward to disrupt the warm air that collects at the ceiling. This quick reversal will then disperse that warm air downward. It’s especially important to do this if you have high ceilings or if the room has a fireplace or stove.
2. Seal air leaks.  It can get cold in our desert terrain. Consider a home energy audit to evaluate measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Just replacing damaged weather stripping and cracked caulking can help to save you a significant amount of money over time.
3. Check gutters and downspouts. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris. Especially after the recent storm, you might check to be sure your gutters are clear before the onslaught of autumn leaves begin to fall. You might have a professional inspect your roof for loose shingles as well since the high winds we recently had left many with blown shingles.
4. Have fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned.  Having a professional inspect and clean your chimney annually can prevent fires and carbon monoxide gases.