Yellow buses everywhere, college kids are back in town, and the T is… doing its thing again. It’s only a matter of time ’til the leaves turn orange and the cold start to come. Sure, it isn’t officially fall just yet – but the coffee shop menus don’t lie, pumpkin spice season is here! Which is just a long way to say that summer is over and we need to think about the things we need to repair and fix and clean at home to get ready for winter.
Here is our list of home maintenance tasks we need to do this month, check it out!
We want to keep the cold air out and the warm air in this next few months. In order to do this, we need to seal all the openings in our homes. Windows should have a tight seal separating the individual panes that traps inert gas in between, serving as a break between outside and indoor temps. If your windows are getting foggy, there might be an issue with the seal – make sure to check the window’s warranty and get it repaired before the cold sets in!
In addition, make sure to inspect and replace the weather stripping around the doors and windows. It will not only keep the cold whistling of wind outside and keep you warm, but it could also possibly save you thousand of dollars in electricity and heating!
Turns out it’s during fall and not spring that we’d want to clean all lawn and yard equipment. Before putting them away for the season, make sure to dust off the surfaces, change oil, replace air and gas filters, and install new blades if necessary. Oil and dirt sitting all season long in storage can cause your equipment to deteriorate which is why we need it done now rather than later.
While you’re at it, also clean all the power tools and equipment you used in the many DIY projects you did over the summer, your future self will thank you!
It’s gonna be sweater and scarf season soon – in short layers season is almost here! And did you know, our houses can use layers to keep warm too? Swap out your current beddings with something heavier, and warmer, like flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Throw in a couple of throws on your bed, on the couch, everywhere where it might get cold just to be sure. Get some thicker area rugs and curtains and you’ll be all set to cut down your energy bills (hopefully)!
Another way we can keep our bedrooms and living areas warm in the next few months, is to make sure the fireplaces checked and clean. It doesn’t matter if it’s gas or electric, it’s not too early to have it cleaned and professionally checked. Not only will you save money on future repairs, but you’ll also be able to reduce fire hazards inside your home.
And finally, make sure to change the direction of the ceiling fan for winter. Always thought it only goes one direction – on. But changing the direction the fan spins help circulate heat during colder months. Check and refer to the manufacturer’s model if you’re unsure how to do this on your home’s ceiling fans.
After 3 months of summer fun, siding can collect dirt and mildew. September is a good time to have your home’s exterior sidings pressure washed to clean it up, and see if there are any serious issues before winter comes.
This one’s pretty straightforward. Check and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if they are working. Replace the batteries as needed. There should be a smoke alarm placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Make sure to have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Finally, make sure your fire extinguisher is accessible and isn’t past its expiration date.
Read more about Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety
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Book an appointment with us. Reach out now for more info! Call or text Stephanie at (617) 765-9641
Book an appointment with us. Reach out now for more info! Call or text Stephanie at (617) 765-9641
The Beacon Group is a client-driven real estate team working in Greater Boston to help clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate. We provide straightforward, analytical advice, empowering clients to make successful and informed decisions. We provide our buying clients with constructive insights, allowing them to identify the right property and enabling them to make purchase decisions with confidence. Our recommendations to both buyers and sellers are specifically crafted to meet clients’ short and long-term housing and financial goals.
Greater Boston Sales
Stephanie Ford
(617) 765-9641
1261 Centre St, Newton 02459
1000 Mass Ave, Cambridge 02138
