Q: [Whole Family] I’m new to OC and it seems like summer here might never end (in a good way!), but are there things I should be doing around the house to prep for the upcoming seasons?
A: Welcome to Orange County! Though the temperatures may still be high in our area, cooler weather is drawing near, and it’s time to start thinking about prepping your home for it. Prepping for cooler weather can ensure that your home is ready for seasons to come. You could be surprised by how much some home and preventative maintenance can save on your energy bills.
First and foremost, and with any seasonal change, we recommend scheduling an HVAC tune-up with your local air conditioning and heating professional. A tune-up ensures that your unit is working properly, safely and efficiently.
Some other tasks to check off your prep list, in honor of fall:
- Clean Those Gutters: As the fall season begins, the leaves begin to change and fall from the trees. Your gutters are bound to get some extra debris, and could potentially get clogged. To prevent this pain, inspect your home’s roof and gutter system. Ensure that gutters are cleared, or go a step further and install a mesh guard to prevent build-up.
- Detect for Carbon Monoxide: Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed. The State of California requires that all residences have a detector, as it can alert you to odorless carbon monoxide emitted from furnaces, fireplaces, stoves and other gas-fired appliances commonly used in the fall and winter.
- Update your thermostat: If you don’t have a WiFi enabled thermostat in your home, it may be time to get one installed. Being able to program your home at a comfortable temperature this season, and those to come, will save energy and money.
- Insulate & Weather Strip: Check your home’s window insulation to ensure heat is not leaking out. If so, you’ll end up spending more, because the unit will need to work overtime for lost air.
Brian has served as General Manager of RighTime Home Services Orange County for two years. Previously, he served as Operations Manager for RighTime Los Angeles for 3 years. He is a Colorado native and enjoys living in South Orange County with his wife, daughter and yellow lab. www.rightimeservices.com
Leave a Reply