Try These Fall Maintenance Tasks in Your Arlington Heights Home

Cooler temperatures and falling leaves are signs to prepare your Chicagoland home for the approaching winter weather. Remember, the sooner you start your fall maintenance tasks, the sooner you can relax in improved comfort and more energy dollars in your wallet.

Home Exterior

• Roofing and gutters: Survey the roof and gutters for damage. Loose shingles and gutters will only get worse during the long winter season. Clean the gutters and downspouts before freezing temperatures set in.
• A/C care: Prepare the A/C for winter hibernation. Use the garden hose to clean the outside A/C cabinet of grass clippings and other summer and fall debris. When you feel the time is right, cover the A/C as recommended by the manufacturer or your HVAC contractor.
• Yard care: Drain the garden hoses and store them away. Collect and remove the last of fall leaves and debris from the gutters.
• Exterior shell: Check the exterior walls of your home for holes and gaps in siding, window frames, and piping and other wall penetrations. Use spray sealant and caulk to seal these potential air leaks.

Home Interior

• Sealing: Weatherstripping and caulk should be applied to air leaks around the attic door, windows and entry doors.
• Insulation: Take a look in the attic. Check your insulation for dirt streaks and mold. Dirt streaks are a sign of air leaks, which should be sealed. Replace moldy or wet insulation. Add insulation to R-60, if it’s not already.
• Chimney sweep: Make an appointment for professional chimney sweeping.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors: Check the CO detectors to make sure they are working properly. Make sure you have at least one CO detector on each floor, and preferably one in each bedroom.
• Annual HVAC maintenance: Call your HVAC contractor and make an appointment for HVAC maintenance. Keeping your heating system and air ducts in good working order saves energy, increases comfort, and helps keep your home safe. Make sure your technician checks all fuel-burning appliances, including the furnace, water heater and kitchen stove.

For more fall maintenance tips, or to schedule HVAC service in your Arlington Heights or Chicago area home, please contact us at Tempco Heating & Air Conditioning.