October is just around the corner, and that means cooler weather will start to sweep in and the leaves will begin changing color. While the break from the extreme heat of summer can be nice, don’t let the transition of seasons catch you off guard. There are many ways that homeowners – and the HOA – can prepare for autumn.
- Schedule an HVAC Inspection
This is something beneficial to do in the fall and spring. Have a professional come out to give your HVAC system a tune-up and ensure it’s in good working condition for fall. This can mean cleaning ducts, replacing air filters, and repairing any damage.
- Clean out Gutters
You never know what kind of debris summer storms have left in your gutters. It’s a good idea to ensure they’re cleared out for fall, which tends to bring more rain. Make sure you follow your gutters the whole way to the ground to ensure there aren’t any blockages or damage to your downspout. Continue to keep your gutters cleared as leaves change colors and fall before winter.
- Check Door and Window Seals
Over time, the weather stripping along doors and windows can wear, dry out, and crack. This can leave gaps where cold air can enter and heat can escape, making your home draftier and hiking up your heating bill. Replace broken seals and insulate windows and doors. Hanging window treatments can help as well.
- Clean the Chimney
If you have a fireplace, it’s a good idea for it to be cleaned and checked before you fire it up. This applies to all types of fireplaces – not just wood-burning ones. Built up soot and other materials can be a fire hazard, and faulty gas fireplaces can release carbon monoxide. Depending on the age of your home and the weather, you may also need to have your flue relined or the structure of your chimney repaired.
- Seed, Aerate, and Weed the Lawn
Depending on the type of grass you have, fall is the ideal time to overseed and aerate your lawn ahead of the spring. It’s also a good time to treat weeds and keep them under control through the fall and winter. Pull out dead plants and flowers, prune trees and shrubs, and stay on top of raking leaves as well. When leaves are left on the grass, it can cause dead patches because the sunlight is unable to get through.
Keep your home and yard looking great and functioning well this autumn so you can make the most of the changing seasons. Get outside and enjoy the cooler weather with friends and neighbors in your HOA community. If you notice any areas of concern or repairs that need to be made in common areas, be sure to bring them to the attention of your HOA or property manager. Kuester partners with HOA communities to create a safe, effective, and enjoyable environment.
