3 Chores You Need to Do Every Fall
The weather is getting colder. The leaves are dropping. Fall is officially here, which means that you have to add some important chores to the top of your to-do list.
Why should you add them to your to-do list? Well, getting these chores over with can save you from some pretty big emergency expenses down the line.
Checking Out Your Furnace
The weather is going to start getting colder, which means you’re going to need to depend on your furnace to stay nice and warm. This is why your first chore for this season should be to look at this appliance to make sure that it’s in good condition.
Start by turning your furnace on and giving it a test run. You’ll want to know that it’s working properly. You can also take this opportunity to spot any problems that you’ll need to address:
- Moisture build-up
- Leaking
- Rusting
- Yellow or orange-colored flame
- Stopping and starting
If you spot any of the above problems, you’ll want to call a professional repairperson right away. This can stop your furnace from breaking down in the middle of the winter, and in some cases, it can protect your household from carbon monoxide poisoning. So, don’t ignore these problems.
If you don’t have enough savings to handle the repairs right away, you should consider taking out a cash loan to get the job done. Click here to learn details like what are fast cash loans and what qualifications are required to apply for them. They could help you manage urgent repairs when you need them most,
Replacing Your Furnace Filter
If your furnace seems like it’s in good working condition, that’s great! After you’re done giving it a once-over, you should replace the disposable furnace filter. If your furnace uses a built-in filter, all you have to do is pull it out, clean out the debris and then put it back in its slot.
Normally, you should change your furnace filter every 3 months. During the colder months, you should do this chore once per month.
Why is this so important? The furnace will use more energy to work with a clogged filter. It could put a major strain on your appliance and increase its likelihood of overheating and breaking down.
Insulating Your Water Pipes
Another chore that you need to get done is insulating your water pipes before it gets too cold. Why is that? When the outdoor temperatures plummet, your water pipes can freeze. This is an inconvenient problem. You’ll lose access to various water fixtures—possibly all of them in the house. You won’t be able to use your sinks, your shower/bath, your toilet or appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher.
But having no running water isn’t the worst that can happen in this situation. Pressure builds up in the frozen pipes. And when that pressure gets too strong, the pipe material can break or burst and send water gushing into your home. If you’re not around to prevent a plumbing emergency, you could have a flooded basement and thousands of dollars’ worth of water damage.
Insulating your pipes can stop them from freezing and bursting. The simple fix can save you lots of money and stress.
These are chores that you have to do this fall. It will make sure your house is ready for the cold months ahead.