Autumn Cozy Home Essentials
Fall in Texas doesn’t always mean crisp, cool days and colorful leaves. Some years, it can still feel like summer well into November. But even if sweater weather comes late, autumn is the perfect time to prep your home for the months ahead. From unpredictable cold snaps to holiday hosting, a little fall maintenance can save you stress (and money) later. Here are a few things every Texan should do to get their house ready.
Deep Clean the House
We all know about Spring cleaning, but Fall is also an ideal time to deep clean your home! Wipe down baseboards that have accumulated dirt from summer activities, and dust commonly forgotten things like lampshades, fans, and shelves. Give the outside of your home a little love too, with a thorough rinse.
Service Your HVAC System
Texas weather keeps your air conditioner working overtime most of the year. Before you switch to heat, schedule a tune-up. Replacing filters, cleaning ducts, and checking for leaks helps your system run efficiently and keeps surprise breakdowns at bay when the first chilly front blows through.
Protect Against Pests
As the temperatures dip, critters go looking for warm places to hide. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation. Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your roofline, and consider a fall pest control treatment to keep rodents and bugs out of your living spaces.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Even if you don’t have a yard full of oaks, Texas trees shed plenty in the fall. Leaves and twigs that collect in your gutters will cause water to flow incorrectly, leading to roof damage or even foundation issues during heavy rains. Clear out leaves and debris, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your house. Other preventative measures include installing a piece of hardboard at the bottom of the downpipe to avoid gutter clogs and costly maintenance of debris buildup.
Prep Your Yard and Garden
Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn in Texas, giving grass roots the nutrients they need to stay strong through winter. Rake up leaves so they don’t smother your turf, and mulch garden beds to insulate plants. It’s also smart to drain and store hoses before the
first freeze.
Clean the Fireplace
If you plan on lighting some cozy fires this fall and winter, definitely make sure to clean the fireplace. Soot buildup causes dangerous problems such as chimney fires, flue deterioration, and chimney blockages that prevent toxic fumes from exiting the chimney, and, in turn, back into your home. To DIY, lay down newspaper to protect the area, remove loose ashes and dust, use a wire brush to clean soot from the brick, and finish by wiping away the remaining soot with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Or call in the professional chimney sweeps.
Check Safety Essentials
With more time spent indoors, now’s the season to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. You should replace the batteries once a year — when you Fall Forward in Daylight Savings Time is a good time to remember – even for hardwired systems because they use a battery for backup. If you have a 10-year sealed battery system, check the manufacturing date and replace the entire alarm after 10 years.
Set the Atmosphere
There’s nothing more comforting than a candle glimmering next to you while spending a night in. Enhance the ambiance of your home with autumn-scented candles. Scents like cedarwood, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie are perfect choices to infuse your space with a warm and inviting fall vibe.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Texas homeowners know the weather can change on a dime. Taking care of these fall to-dos ensures your home is comfortable, safe, and ready for anything — whether it’s a warm Thanksgiving, an early freeze, or a house full of holiday guests.
