Once fall settles in, cooler winter weather isn’t far behind. Taking care of the following fall home maintenance tasks now can keep your seasonal energy bills under control, and guarantee that you’ll enjoy a comfortable winter living environment:
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  • Improve air flow. Vacuum inside and around the HVAC supply and return registers, and make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture or draperies. Clean ceiling fan blades as a seasonal maintenance task.
  • Inspect below grade. Check the crawlspace for areas of standing water, mold growth and evidence of pest infestations. Test that the basement sump pump is operating properly, and make sure that the sump pit is free of debris.
  • Flush the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flushing out the storage tank to remove any accumulated sediment.
  • Tidy up the exterior. Examine the siding and trim for areas that need to be secured or replaced. Repair damaged stucco, and replace any broken or missing bricks. Scrape and repaint peeled or cracked paint. Check that the covers on the outdoor electrical outlets are watertight as well.
  • Check the roof. Replace or repair any damaged, loose or missing shingles, shakes or tiles. Repair and seal gaps and damaged areas around the roof flashing and chimney mortar.
  • Clean the gutters and downspouts. Wait until all the leaves have fallen, and make sure that the connections are tight and that loose sections are secured.
  • Sweep the chimney. Have the flue and liner cleaned to remove any built-up creosote and reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
  • Seal and insulate. Caulk and weatherstrip gaps and cracks around the windows, exterior doors and plumbing, electrical, utility and HVAC penetrations. Supplement your attic insulation to reach the recommended R-30 to R-60 range; a higher total R-value provides better protection.
  • Schedule a heating system inspection. Have a licensed HVAC professional perform a comprehensive tune-up for any fuel-burning system that includes cleaning/adjusting the burner, inspecting the fuel lines and vent system, and changing the air filter. If you use a heat pump for heating, it should have semi-annual maintenance performed before the heating season.

To learn more about essential fall home maintenance tasks for the Corpus Christi area, contact us today at Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co.

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