Just in time for fall weather comes National Tune-Up Day, a September 25th awareness day that
encourages homeowners to get their homes autumn-ready. While it may not be as fluffy as National Poodle Day (October 6) or tasty as National Fudge Day (June 16), National Tune-Up Day gives you an excuse to weatherproof and upgrade some important features of your home.
Below, we have five recommendations to help you observe National Tune-Up Day in style. They’ll save you time and money — today and down the road.
Caulking and Weatherstrips
Save money during colder months by making sure all of your home’s windows and outward-facing doors are properly sealed. Cold air leaking in from the outside can crank up your heater — and your bill. If your caulking and weatherstripping are even a couple years old, you may want to replace them as a precaution. Latex caulking comes in different colors to match your home’s interior, while silicone caulking is more durable and can stand up to the elements.
At-Home Pipe Care
A water pipe burst can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, so it’s important to check on them regularly. Wrap your pipes in insulation. Fiberglass or foam rubber from the home improvement store works wonders to prevent freezing during cold snaps. Let your faucets drip at night. And when it gets really cold outside, remember to keep your home’s heat at a reasonable temperature even when you’re going to be gone on vacation. An unexpected drop in temperature could prompt a pipe disaster if the house isn’t heated properly.
Roof Maintenance
Make sure your roof is weather-ready before winter hits. If shingles are damaged or broken, call a professional to take a look; a pro can tell if you need to replace just a couple shingles or the whole roof. It’s also smart to check the seals around your vent stacks and chimney, just to make sure winter doesn’t make any unexpected appearances inside your home.
Attic Insulation
Looking to save big? Statistics show that up to 85% of a house’s heat loss can be attributed to an inefficient attic. As such, insulating the space with fiberglass or rigid foam can help keep heat in and shrink those energy bills this winter. It’s easier to install than you think — new home insulation can be layered over the top of existing insulation without any problems.
Furnace Fix-Ups
Don’t just call a professional when your furnace breaks. Schedule a preventive maintenance check-up before it gets too cold. It’s a whole lot less fun to be without heat for several days than to just call someone to take a peek. Also, the filters on your furnace should be changed every 2-3 months, so make sure you keep some on hand.