Where did summer go?  I ask myself that every year, and every year it’s September before I know it. But take heart. Fall is a great season in Tallahassee — cooler temperatures, football, and the opportunity to spend time with friends outdoors.  Like summer, though, fall goes quickly, so we need to do some seasonal maintenance to make sure our homes are ready when winter comes. Attending to things these things now can avoid costly repairs and headaches down the road.

Here are some of the things we all can do to ready our homes for winter:

Inside Maintenance

1. Have your furnace inspected by a professional for leaks and heating efficiency.  Change the air filter and then stock up on some extras so they can be changed every few months. It’s also never a bad idea to have a carbon monoxide check to be sure the air in your home is safe.

2. Check for drafts around the edges of windows and doors.  If you feel any, see about replacing seals and repairing caulking around window and door frames because we know Tallahassee’s winter utility bills can cut into our Christmas fun.

3. One good thought is to consider a programmable thermostat.  Setting it to automatically adjust the temperature at night and when you’re not at home helps save quite a bit of money.  

 4. Test your home safety devices.  Be sure to replace all the batteries in your smoke alarms or other equipment.  Protecting those you love should be your number one priority.

Outside Maintenance          

1. Check the chimney and fireplace.  If you have a wood burning fireplace that you use often, it should be cleaned and inspected by a professional.

2. This is best time to do landscaping work: trim bushes, shrubs, and flowers so that they will be in good shape when spring comes. Also rake and remove leaves.  Put them in a compost pile if you have one.

3. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that may break or that are in the way of power lines.

4. Plant spring bulbs.  You’ll thank yourself when you see all those lovely daffodils and tulips come springtime.

5. Organize the shed by cleaning out all the summer items that have accumulated. (Good luck with this one!)

In the Garage

1. Clean power equipment and have any repairs done so it will be ready when you need it in the spring.

2. If you have an emergency generator for power outages, test it to be sure it is working.

3. While you’re at it, clean the garage itself.  Yeah, right. About as likely as the shed.

As summer is winding down, make a list of the things you need to do to make your home ready for winter — and then do them.  Doing so will not only bring you peace of mind as cold weather approaches, it will enhance the overall value of your home as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN TALLAHASSEE, PLEASE CONTACT fincher@finchtally.com