Get Your Home Ready For Winter!

Fall has arrived in the greater Portland, OR Metro area! Now is a great time get your home ready for the upcoming winter season. Here are some steps you can take today! 

1. Schedule that HVAC service! In cold winter months, and often after a year of not being used, furnace issues can be encountered once that first cold day arrives. And since it seems everyone's furnace seems to have issues at the same time, many companies have a long waiting time to have a service tech to your home. Schedule that service call now to head off any issues so you can stay warm!

2. When the rainy season arrives, make sure you have cleaned out your window wells from any dirt or debris so they function properly.

3. Fall is a great time to fertilize your grass and seed any patchy areas!

4. As leaves start falling from trees, it is important to clean your home's gutters to ensure that any water from rainfall can effectively drain. Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your home long term.

5. Winterize your water spigots and hoses before that first frost!

6. Along with your service, change your furnace filter at least every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you have. Consult your manufacturer's owner's guide for their recommendation. Companies like Second Nature Air Filter and Filter Time will automatically ship you a filter on a schedule so you never have to forget to buy a filter again!

7. Do a quick walk around you home to assure that all your exterior caulking, paint, etc. are not cracking, peeling, or damaged.

8. Winterize your yard equipment (mower, blowers, and trimmers, oh my!) and get it ready for storage during the cold months. If this isn't your forte, don't worry! Many local equipment rental companies (like Canby Rental & Equipment) have a service department where you can drop off your yard tools for service and winterization. 

9. The time to plant your flowering spring bulbs is actually in the fall! Plant those now to have beautiful blooming bulbs come spring.  

10. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, clean it thoroughly and also consider cleaning your chimney. Creosote build up in chimneys is dangerous and can cause fires. It's a great idea to consult with a qualified chimney care company to assess and clean your chimney so you have peace of mind during those cold months when the fireplace and woodstove are in use.

If you are seeking qualified contractors or service personnel to assist with any of your fall home preparations, contact Jennifer Schurter. As a Realtor in the Portland Metro area, she encounters and networks with different contractors on a regular basus and can refer you to people who can help.