Tips to Prep Your Home and Lawn for Winter

by Kevin Smith Author

As the seasons start to change it is important to take care of your home and lawn and get them ready for the colder temperatures.

Home

Now is the time to make sure your HVAC systems are working properly. It is much more affordable and convenient to spot any needed repairs or updates while the weather is mild. Though your furnace should be top priority, don’t neglect having any air conditioner repair in Pittsburgh, PA, done in the fall. This can be a great opportunity to catch any small issues that have happened with the AC over the summer, and get it ready for the upcoming year.

Caulking around windows and doors is perhaps the smallest task with the biggest reward. Once the wood around windows and door frames begins to rot it can escalate quickly and the damage can soon get out of control. Check around your home for any signs that the caulking could use some TLC, and scrape away the old before you apply a fresh coat.

Lawn

Although it is tempting to put the mower away for good, pay attention to the length of your grass. If it is still growing, give it one more clip before resting over the winter. Fall is actually a great time to seed trouble spots on the lawn. The cooler temperatures and higher levels of moisture in the earth can help give those worrisome areas the boost they need to grow better.

Besides removing debris from the yard like fallen leaves and twigs, you can do a few extra steps to really give it an advantage. Aerating the lawn helps oxygen get down into the soil, and applying fertilizer replenishes the earth with some much needed nutrients. If you have any outdoor water features now is the time to drain the systems and make sure all pumps and other features are protected from the elements.

Other Tips

With hazardous conditions like ice and snow on their way, fall can be a good time to think about outdoor safety. Installing a new hand rail by stairs, laying down no-slip outdoor rugs, replacing exterior light bulbs, or fixing any loose pavement or walkway stones can be great things to do while the weather is still nice to add some extra safety for the winter.

Hazardous conditions can exist inside the home as well. Before the snow falls, have your heater inspected, carbon monoxide detectors installed, smoke detector batteries checked, and any air conditioner repair in Pittsburgh, PA, done.