Is your home ready for fall?
We tapped Rob Crawford, president and owner of Renaissance South Construction, to share some tips with us on how to get your home ready for fall in the Lowcountry, keep it running smoothly and looking its best…year-round.
Crawford points out: “Because fall is probably the most temperate season of the year, there aren’t a lot of things you need to do (besides routine maintenance) to get ready for the season, but it is a great time of year to take advantage of those comfortable temperatures to get ready for winter.”
For the benefit of homeowners new to the Lowcountry, Crawford explains: “While insulation is quite important, unlike in northern states, the most critical component to comfort in the Lowcountry is preventing air leakage. It’s important to replace any damaged window and door stripping and seal around penetrations, such as HVAC registers and electrical outlets, as well as replace fallen insulation in crawl spaces (a relatively simple do-it-yourself project with materials purchased at a local hardware or home supplies store).
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
While on the subject of air conditioning and heating…make sure to have your HVAC system serviced in preparation for heating season!
• Don’t wait until the first cold snap to discover that things aren’t working properly - HVAC companies get inundated with calls at that time and turnaround service is slow (while you wait for them in your cold house!).
• Remember that during the first severely cold day, you may smell a burning smell. That is the summer dust being burnt off of the heating element. This should only happen once - more than that and it could be indicative of a problem.
• Check all carbon monoxide detectors in preparation for turning on your gas fireplace. Install detectors right away if you don’t have any in a gas-fueled system.
• Light pilot lights on gas fireplaces – DON’T FORGET TO OPEN THE FLUES FIRST!
• Clean fireplace flues - especially wood burning fireplaces
WASHING, WATERLINES AND WINTERIZING
• Power-wash or “soft” wash your house! Crawford recommends hiring a professional washing company rather than trying to attempt the job yourself.
• Ensure exposed/outside water lines are insulated and no critters have chewed through the insulation; Also, make sure to cover back flow preventers and any outside water filtration systems with an insulated bag.
• Winterize pools when swimming season is over.
HURRICANE-PROOFING
• Since we are still in hurricane season in the fall:
- Ensure generators are fueled and maintained
- Ensure you have storm protection in place
CRITTER-PROOFING
• As it gets colder outside, animals such as marsh rats, raccoons - and the ever-present Palmetto bug - will inevitably be looking for warmth in and under your home. Make sure foundation vents are in place and cracks are sealed.
PAINTING AND PROTECTING
• Paint your house! Fall is the perfect time to complete any painting projects!
• Look for cracks around all things wood to repair or replace.
• Clear coat exposed wood such as ipe (pronounced EE-pay) decks and mahogany doors.
DON’T FORGET TO ATTEND TO THESE ROUTINE, NON-SEASONAL HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS:
• Tankless heaters - service every other year
• Backflow preventers - annually
• Wash your house - annually
• Change air-conditioning filters - monthly
• Clean clothes-dryer vents - once or twice per year
• Make sure to get regular termite treatments