As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it's time to prepare your home for the fall season. Along with swapping your shorts for sweaters and your pina coladas for pumpkin spice, sister brands Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, DRYmedic, Mister Sparky Electric, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Screenmobile have got some tried and true advice designed to keep your home in tip top condition – whatever the weather.

Following these essential maintenance tasks for your electrical, HVAC, plumbing, moisture control, and screen systems can ensure that your home remains comfortable, safe, and efficient throughout the cooler months.

Electrical Safety and Efficiency with Mister Sparky

Fall is the perfect time to conduct a thorough electrical safety check in your home. As daylight hours decrease, proper lighting becomes increasingly important for both safety and comfort. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Electrical Safety Checks

Start by inspecting all visible electrical components in your home.

  • Outlets and switches: Check for any discoloration, cracks, or unusual warmth when in use.
  • Cords and plugs: Examine all electrical cords for fraying or damage, and ensure plugs fit snugly into outlets.
  • Circuit breaker panel: Verify that all breakers are properly labeled and functioning correctly.

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If you notice any issues or are unsure about the condition of your electrical system, it's best to consult a professional electrician for a thorough inspection.

2. Lighting Maintenance

With shorter days ahead, optimal and reliable lighting is necessary for both safety and comfort.

  • Replace burnt-out bulbs in both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
  • Clean light fixtures to maximize brightness.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs for better illumination and lower energy costs.
  • Check and adjust timers on outdoor lighting to accommodate earlier sunsets.

3. Energy Efficiency

Assess your home's energy usage and make improvements:

  • Install dimmer switches or smart lighting controls to reduce energy consumption.
  • Add motion sensors to outdoor lighting for enhanced security and efficiency.
  • Evaluate the insulation around electrical outlets and switches, especially on exterior walls, and add insulation if needed to prevent drafts.

HVAC Maintenance with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

As temperatures begin to drop, your heating system will soon become essential for maintaining a comfortable home environment. Proper maintenance today can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure efficient operation throughout the colder months.

1. Air Filter Maintenance

Clean or replace your air filters regularly to maintain optimal air quality and system efficiency:

  • Check filters monthly and replace as needed, typically every 1-3 months.
  • Use high-efficiency filters for improved air quality.
  • Ensure the filter is properly seated to prevent air bypass.

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2. Thermostat Settings

Optimize your thermostat settings for fall weather:

  • Program your thermostat to lower temperatures when you're asleep or away from home.
  • Switch to a smart thermostat for more precise control and potential energy savings.
  • Test your thermostat to ensure it is accurately reading and controlling temperature.

3. Heating System Inspection

Inspect your heating system:

  • Check for any unusual noises, odors, or performance issues.
  • Inspect visible ductwork for signs of damage or leaks.
  • Clear the area around your furnace or heat pump of any debris or stored items.
  • Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to ensure all components are clean, properly adjusted, and functioning efficiently.

A professional will efficiently identify potential issues before they become major problems, improve system efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.

Plumbing Preparedness with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Fall is a critical time to prepare your plumbing system for the colder months ahead. Taking preventive measures now can help you avoid costly repairs and inconvenient disruptions during winter.

1. Pipe Inspection and Insulation

Protect your pipes from potential freezing:

  • Inspect exposed pipes for signs of damage or corrosion.
  • Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Seal any gaps or cracks in walls or foundations near pipes to prevent cold air infiltration.

2. Leak Detection

Identify and address any leaks before they become major issues:

  • Check faucets, showerheads, and visible pipe connections for drips or signs of moisture.
  • Inspect the base of toilets and around water heaters for any signs of leakage.
  • Monitor your water meter to detect any unexplained increases in water usage, which could indicate a hidden leak.

3. Drainage and Gutter Maintenance

Ensure proper drainage to prevent water damage:

  • Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ensure proper water diversion away from your home's foundation.
  • Check that outdoor drainage systems are clear of debris and functioning correctly.
  • Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance needs.

4. Winter Preparation

Take steps to protect your plumbing system from winter weather:

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  • Drain and store outdoor hoses and insulate outdoor faucets or hose bibs.
  • If you have a sprinkler system, schedule a professional blow-out to remove all water from the lines.

DRYmedic Fall Maintenance Tips

Guarding the outside of your home against the weather (storms!), accidents (fire!) and bacterial growth (mold - ew!) should be a high priority on your fall checklist. Follow these essential maintenance tasks to keep your home dry and safe:

1. Perform Regular Inspections

  • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water buildup and damage. Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles.

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  • Look for cracks, leaks, and signs of water coming into your home. Ensure proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home.
  • Clean and inspect chimneys and fireplaces annually to prevent fire hazards.

2. Mold Prevention

  • Waterproof the basement and crawl space to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
  • Make sure seals and caulking are intact around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.
  • Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and properly ventilate bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  • Address any water leaks immediately.

3. Pest Control

  • Inspect and seal gaps and cracks where pests can enter and schedule regular pest control treatments to prevent infestations.

4. Tree and Vegetation Management

  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from the house to prevent damage from falling branches.

Screenmobile Fall Maintenance Tips

Screens are amazing options to let the nice air in and keep the creepy crawlies out. However, when summer transitions to autumn, you might find your screen needs some TLC.

1. Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your screens seasonally is one of the simplest ways to keep them in top shape. Using a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution, gently scrub both sides of the screen mesh and frame. Then, let your screens air dry completely before re-installing. As your screens are drying, make sure to vacuum and clean out the door tracks and window framing.

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2. Lubricate Tracks and Hinges

For sliding screen doors, keep the tracks and wheels well lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Sweep out the tracks to remove any rocks, dirt, leaves, or debris, and then use a dry silicone spray to lubricate the tracks and wheels. For swinging screen doors, spray some dry silicone spray on and around the hinges to help them open and close easily (and quietly!).

3. Trim Bushes and Nearby Trees

A stray branch or overgrown bush can cause costly rips or tears in your screens! To prevent this, simply trim your landscaping to prevent it from rubbing or touching your screens.

4. Inspect for Damage

Although it's a good practice to inspect all your screens for damage, it's particularly important to keep a careful eye on your porch, patio, and deck screen enclosures. Look for rips, tears, or holes in your screen mesh, and repair them swiftly to keep them from growing. Check the framing for any loose or rusted screws and replace as needed. (If you live in a coastal area, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your framing for signs of corrosion.)

5. Avoid Harsh Weather

In extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or winter storms, consider removing or securing your screens to prevent damage. Storing your screens in a safe place during harsh seasons can help to extend their lifespan and maintain functionality.

Pro tip: Before removing your screens, label each of them with masking tape and a pen. This will help you quickly find their proper location when it comes time to re-install them!

Don't Refrain — Maintain!

By following these maintenance tips for your electrical, HVAC, plumbing, moisture control, and screen systems, you'll be well-prepared for the fall season and the colder months ahead. Remember, while many of these tasks can be done yourself, don't hesitate to contact one of our professionals for more complex issues or if you're unsure about any aspect of your home's systems. Regular maintenance not only ensures your comfort and safety but can also lead to significant savings on energy bills and prevent costly emergency repairs.

Reach out to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, DRYmedic, Mister Sparky Electric, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Screenmobile today!