The time you spend in fall to prepare your home for the winter season can save you money in heating bills and costly repairs. Seasonal household preparations involve so much more than the outdoor work that people typically associate with autumn.

There are equally important preparations to take care of inside the house. If you’re willing to take the extra time to inspect those hidden areas for potential problems, you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of a warm, properly insulated and well-sealed home.

Add these helpful suggestions to your to-do list of seasonal preparations.

♦ Have Your Home’s Heating System Inspected

An $80 to $100 investment (the cost of the inspection,) may save you considerably more on winter utility bills. Doing this before you need to heat will also ensure that you don’t have to wait for a repair person on a miserably cold day. When they inspect your system, they will make sure it runs properly, and that the filters are clean.

♦ Reverse the Fan Blade Direction Switch on Ceiling Fans

Doing this will produce an updraft. This forces warm air down, something that is especially helpful in homes that have high ceilings. It may even allow you to turn the thermostat down enough to result in lower heating costs throughout the winter months.

♦ Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

You may want to hire a professional to clean out your gutters and make sure that the downspouts aren’t blocked. If autumn is typically very rainy, you don’t want your gutters so clogged with leaves and other debris that the gutters are incapable of catching the rain. If you get a lot of snow throughout the winter, the gutters will catch water from melting snow that accumulates on the roof, preventing it from pooling there.

♦ Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected

A roof inspection will make sure that the shingles are intact, that none have curled, and that there is no flashing corrosion. The roofer will also make sure that there are no leaks that could allow cold air or water to enter.

♦ Inspect Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Replace batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Have your fire extinguisher professionally checked, if you purchased it recently. If you have an old one, look for the expiration date. It may be time to replace it.

Make sure you’ve updated your homeowners insurance, especially if your circumstances have changed. If you’re new to Northern Virginia area, contact PMA Insurance Services to get an instant quote today at (703) 449-1327!