Cooler evenings in the Asheville area signal a seasonal shift is on the horizon, and while you may be ready for autumn and everything it brings, your home may not be. Here are some key ways to prep your home for fall so you’re not left out in the cold. 

Exterior

With the approach of cool weather, it’s a good idea to seal any spots where heat can escape your home. Caulk and seal openings around your home’s foundation, windows and doorframes. If you have storm windows and doors, now is the time to install them. Remove window screens where necessary, and clean and repair them before storing. Replace old or damaged gutters, considering ones that have leaf guards to prevent a pile-up of falling foliage. Make sure steps and handrails are in good condition.

Insulation

With Western N.C. temperatures dipping lower, especially in the evenings, now’s the time to inspect and upgrade insulation, and consider weather stripping for added protection against the coming colder days. Doors and windows that are weather-stripped will prevent drafts and heat loss. 

Water pipes

When water inside pipes freezes, the expansion can cause pipes to crack or, worse, burst. Check your pipes in the fall, before winter’s cold sets in. Don’t forget about exterior faucets and sprinkler systems: Drain water from them, disconnect outdoor hoses, and cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators. Pay particular attention to piping in garages, crawl spaces and attics, where it could get colder, and consider extra insulation for these areas. 

HVAC

Vacuum internal parts of air conditioners, and remove or wrap any window units. While it’s still temperate, have your furnace or boiler checked; clean or replace the furnace filter if you have a forced hot air system; if you have a working fireplace, make sure to have your chimney checked and serviced before use. As you settle into fall, have fuel tanks filled, and monitor levels throughout the season and into winter; never set your heat lower than 55 degrees, as the walls where water pipes live are colder than your home’s interior. 

For information about Real Estate in Asheville, contact Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at 828-337-8190.

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