8 Ways To Save Money This Autumn

Evenings are becoming longer and more brisk, the smell of cozy fires fills the air, flocks of migrating birds make their way to warmer havens…and there’s still time to keep your home from going south for the winter! Below are 8 quick reminders of fall weather items you’ll want to button up before the chill of winter arrives.

Furnace inspection gets harder to come by and more expensive to repair as temperatures drop. Making sure your furnace is ready for winter is an annual must-do.

Clean chimneys have a double benefit: more efficient heating and dramatic reduction in potential for a house fire. A professional chimney sweep, if nothing else, should be a fall ritual.

Install storm windows and doors, and don’t forget to label the screens before you store them for the winter; you’ll make it easier on yourself in the spring.

Windows and doors leak air and can cause the greatest energy loss during winter months. Finding air leaks isn’t as difficult as it may sound: using a lit candle–and taking caution to avoid flammable curtains or drapes–watch the flame for a flicker near window and door seams, then seal any leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping.

Trees and branches running along your property will be easier to inspect once the leaves have fallen. Check and trim any that may appear weak or hang too close to your roof. Also, check around power lines and notify your electric provider of any potential trouble spots (warning: don’t trim around power lines yourself).

Gutters and downspouts prevent costly water damage, so keeping them clean is more than just curb appeal. When dirt and leaves are trapped in gutters the excess water has nowhere else to go but inside your home. So, prevent flooding or other water damage by making sure your gutters are clear and any excess water is delivered by downspouts at least 10-feet away from your home’s foundation.

Garden hoses can rupture if any trapped water inside freezes and expands during winter. Coil hoses free of kinks, and avoid storing them on a nail in the garage, as the soft rubber material may tear.

Outdoor furniture is typically weatherproof, but usually only against the lighter elements. Harsh winters take a toll on most outdoor items, and just like the exterior of your home, furniture can only withstand so much. If you don’t have the space to store patio furniture out of the weather, make sure you use heavy-duty weatherproof outdoor furniture coverings, or you may spend more replacing patio furniture instead of enjoying a lavish barbecue come springtime.

This article was taken from my October 2013 issue of YOU Magazine. Click here to view the full newsletter. If you have any questions about your personal situation, please contact me.