Autumn has officially arrived in Kansas City, and with the arrival of fall comes the appearance of your fall home maintenance to-do list.Check windows, doors, pipes and wires: Inspect areas where pipes and wires enter the home as well as around door frames and windows to ensure that they do not have leaks that can allow heat to escape. Apply caulk, weatherstripping or spray foam to any cracks or gaps, depending on the type of the leak and its size.

Check your home’s exterior: Rain, ice and snow take a toll on your home’s exterior. Inspect your home’s outside structure and fix any peeling paint, mold or cracks.

Upgrade our windows: Removing summer screens and upgrading your windows to Energy Star approved models will help keep your warm air inside and the cold out.

Clean gutters and downspouts: Those falling leaves are beautiful, but can clog your gutters and downspouts. Ensure that fall rain and winter snow will properly drain from your roof by removing leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts. Once clean, consider installing leaf-guards to prevent future blockage (and to protect your hard work).

Check heating system: Have a professional come out and service your home’sheating equipment to ensure that it’s in good shape to operate through the winter months. The goal is better efficiency, performance and safety. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperatures and energy consumption. 

Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves: These heating alternatives can provide a way for warm air to escape your home if not properly maintained. Have the seal on fireplace and wood stove doors checked to ensure that they close tightly and completely.

What have you managed to check off your fall home maintenance list?

Don’t despair if your list is pretty much still intact. At Overland Park Heating & Cooling, we can help you get your heating system in top shape to battle the cold weather in the months ahead. Check one item off your list by contacting us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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