Fall Is Here Amarillo! Time To Check Up On Your Home

Today just happens to be the first day of Fall here in the Texas Panhandle and it looks like the weather is cooperating. While it's been nice today we all know that it wont be long before we start getting into cooler weather and now is the time to get a few things done around the house before the days get too cold and short.

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Time To Check That Smoke Detector

With cooler temperatures coming now is the perfect time to check the batteries on your smoke detector. usually they are good for 6-8 months but its not bad practice to change them in the fall (and on the other side of the coin, spring.) It may be a simple step but there are sadly reports of fires that weren't caught with bad outcomes simply because the smoke detectors had dead batteries. A few bucks for safety goes a long way. If you happen to have a carbon monoxide detector, now is also a good time to make sure it's in working order.

Speaking of Fires...

If your house happens to have one, It's a good time to take a look at your fireplace or woodburning stove. A good chimneysweep helps keep the ash and creosote buildup at bay, both of which can lead to fire if there is enough build up. a chimney sweep can also check the flue and make sure that it is opening and closing properly. while you have them in your home its not a bad idea to have them check your dryer exhaust for backup. your clothes will thank you with better dry times.

The Furnace

While filter maintenance is important, This is the time of year you want to get that annual checkup. Now is the best time to do it before AC techs really start getting busy. usually the service check will make sure the unit is running at top efficiency and if you happen to have gas, make sure that the pilot light is on and there's no leaks.

Your yard can also use a little help too

That final cut isn't too far off and when that's done a good set of pre emergent herbicides will help keep winter weeds at bay. this is also a good time to add fertilizer to your lawn. look for a blend with more phosphorus to help. it may seem a little counterintuitive but the nutrients will keep the soil enriched through the winter making the yard come back quicker when spring comes back around. plus who wants to be dealing with weeds when it's cold outside?

it's not a bad idea to also check water features and make sure the plumbing is okay and insulated for light freezes.

Those Gutters

No one likes to work on the gutters, but it's gotta be done, make sure they are clear of obstructions and leaves. If you have trees near the house you may need to do this more than once.

Check your Doors and Windows

You could be losing a lot of money here. Now is a great time to double check the seals around your windows and doors and fix if needed. This helps save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping those drafts in check

Everyone's house has it's own unique set of needs and your results may vary. Here's to a safe and pleasant fall!