Fall is here! Get ready for color-changing leaves, bring out the throw blankets, and light those pumpkin spice candles!
Decorating for the season may be some people's favorite part of fall, but it is not all that needs to be done to keep your home cozy for your family and any guests who may be coming for the holidays. Put on a cozy sweater and make sure these fall tasks are checked off your list.
HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC keeps you cool in the summer and heated in the fall and winter. Although it may not be quite cool enough yet for your heater every day, there are still ways to prepare your system to ensure it works efficiently all season long.
Change Your Filters
When was the last time you changed your HVAC filters? If it was more than 3 months ago, be sure to swap it out right away.
On average, your filter should be changed every 2-3 months, or about every season.
A cleaner filter can help your system capture unwanted pollutants that shouldn’t be in your home’s air.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, your indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoors. This is important because the average american spends about 90 percent of their time indoors.
Test Out Your Heater
Don’t get left out in the cold. A broken heater can be a major headache when the forecast cools down.
Be sure your heater is working properly so it can efficiently heat your home when you need it most.
Some signs to look out for to know you need heater repairs or replacement include:
Difficulty turning unit on
Weird smells and noises coming from your heater
Inadequate heat
Poor indoor air quality
You may also want to consider installing a gas fireplace, it not only adds warmth, but it creates a relaxed atmosphere within your home, This is extremely important since the holidays can be stressful.
Water Heaters
Along with your heater, comes your plumbing. You’ll want warm air and warm water when the temperatures drop outdoors.
Prevent sudden loss of hot water by knowing the signs of water heater problems. These include:
If your unit is more than 10-15 years old
You have rusty water
You are running out of hot water
Heater is making weird noises
Your water heater is leaking
Drain Cleaning
Clogs in your kitchen or bathroom can make the holidays a hassle. Avoid them by preventing these issues and scheduling a drain cleaning.
After your drain has been cleaned, be sure to watch what you are putting down it. Avoid putting hair, grease, “flushable” wipes, coffee grounds, kitty litter, paper towels, and eggshells down the toilet or sink drain.
After using the sink while washing dishes or when using the disposal, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes after use to help flush down any materials that may cling to your pipes.
Also try brushing your hair prior to showering to remove any loose hair that may end up in your drain.
Bring Fall Indoors
After making sure your home is running efficiently, grab the fall decor and decorate your home.
Get out the candles to fill the room with a fall auroma. Get out the throw blankets to watch a movie with, and the pillows to match.
Add a festive table runner to your dining room table and put out some pumpkins.
Incorporating both home maintenance and decor is a way to keep your home happy for what the fall holidays have in store.
Wolfschmidt Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help ensure your home is comfortable with working home HVAC and plumbing. Call us at (856) 512-1832 for all your plumbing, heating and cooling needs.