Tips for fall home maintenance

Fall is in full swing which means there are some things everyone should do to prepare for the cold, Chicagoland winter that is ahead of us. 

1. Have your furnace checked. You want to make sure you have heat that works before it gets too cold and you are left freezing in your own home. 

2. Make sure you do fall leaves clean up before the first snowfall. Keeping up with the leaves can be tough but it is important to try and rake them up before the snow comes. The leaves can become packed in gutters and cause more issues down the line. 

3. Ensure your snow blower is working, or you have plenty of shovels. It is important to be as prepared as possible when it comes to winter in Illinois. It is unpredictable so you want to make sure your equipment is working! 

4. Change out your summer drapes and replace them with insulated ones! Having insulated drapes can help keep the cold air out and help lock in the warm air. 

5. Check windows for a draft. Even if your heat is working, if your windows allow in a draft, it will still be really cold inside. Either replace these windows, or make sure you have a guard at the bottom to prevent drafts. The same goes for doors. 

6. Use flannel bed sheets. It is as simple as having heavier sheets. These sheets will help you keep warm when it gets chilly at night. 

7. Make sure all outdoor lights are working and operational, especially at night. Coming home to a dark home is never ideal for safety, but especially in the cold winter months. Make sure you keep an eye on all outdoor lights. 

These are just a few of the many tips to help you get ready for fall! Leaf us your suggestions in the comments! We would love to hear what you always do to prepare for winter.