The leaves changing colour is a great indication that winter is coming and with that colder temperatures are on their way. So before you put on your winter jacket and head out to enjoy the change in seasons here are a few simple steps to help prepare your home for the changing weather
Inspect and Clean the chimney
Cleaning your chimney on a yearly basis can prevent a chimney fire from happening. Over time a build up of soot (a form of creosote) if left untouched can ignite easily creating a fire and potentially burning your house to the ground. Its quite an easy process to do by yourself but if your not confident call in someone to do it. If you have an open fire start by taping on an old sheet or plastic to the fireplace as to help prevent any soot from escaping into the room. Depending on your capabilities you can either choose to rod from the bottom up or the top down. If you own a stove and working from the top down make sure the damper is on the closed position and the door firmly closed. Be sure to have the right size brush for your chimney. Usually stoves attached with a flue insert will require a 6" brush where open fire chimneys vary from an 8 " to a 10" brush. As you work the appropriately sized brush through the chimney turn the rods as you move as this will insure all areas on the inside are cleaned. Allow time for the soot and dust to settle before cleaning up.
Check Fire and carbon monoxide alarms
One of the most important thing to do in this list is you want to check, test and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It's really important to do this during this time of year as more fires will be lit and central heating boilers will be on the go so if you're only going to do one thing let this be it.
Clean the gutters
Clearing out gutters and down pipes makes for lighter work later on. It stops the system from getting blocked with debris which can lead to long-term water damage if you're not careful. Ladder safety is important so make sure that the ladder is on a level surface and that you're actually propping it up against something which is secure, also try not to do it if it's too windy and always make sure you got somebody at the bottom spotting the ladder and keeping it steady. Use heavy-duty gloves to clear out the gutters. A plastic milk bottle with the bottom cut off makes an ideal scoop for clearing out old leaves and debris. Never over reach, always move the ladder along. Also attach your bucket to the ladder with a hook to keep your hands-free. As you clean away its an ideal opportunity to check the state of your gutters and check for cracks that need any type of repair or sealing and see if you need to repair brackets if the guttering is sagging.
Turn on the central heating boiler
Turning on the boiler in advance will give you enough time to make sure the central heating system is working properly and to give enough time for a specialist to come out and inspect it if need be. Set the heating programmer to come on for an hour. This will ensure it is working correctly when the boiler turns on and shuts off afterwards. Turn the thermostat up full. Go around and check that all the radiators are warming up. Feel the top of the radiators and if after the hour you find one that is not hot you may have to bleed it. Over time air can seep into your central heating and will tend to accumulate to the top of your radiators, especially upstairs. This air can affect how efficiently the radiators heat your rooms. Allow the system to cool down and settle first before attempting it and by using a special key and locating the release valve, which is located at the top edge of the radiator, carefully turn the key one or two turns anti-clockwise. The radiator will hiss as the air is slowly released forcing the water up. Once you've released the water, the pressure in the system will have dropped slightly. Check the reading on the gauge at the boiler and adjust accordingly turning the valve beside it.
Check the reserves for the system
Weather you use gas, oil or wood pellets to heat your home now is a good time to check if there is enough to get you through the winter months The last thing you want is for it to run out half way through the season and depending on the weather conditions during that time, which can be unpredictable at times, it might be difficult for supplies to get to your home for some time.
Clean and store garden furniture
A lot of outdoor furniture is made to withstand the weather all year round but long-term exposure to the elements can drastically shorten the lifespan of even the most durable pieces. Before storing any type of wooden furniture its good practice to rub a good quality oil over the surface with rag which will help nourish the wood during is hibernation. If you don't own a garden/storage shed consolidate any furniture into a pile and with a heavy waterproof tarp securely tie it at the bottom not to allow any wind to catch and lift it.
Lawn care & Maintenance
The end of the summer months does not mean its the end of lawn care. This is the most important time as it wilI allow the grass to continue to stay healthy and give it the best start come the spring. Grass grows slower during the colder months, but keep cutting until your lawn has essentially stopped growing which is usually around October or early November. To help maintain a healthy root system apply a winter feed fertilizer. This will give it the nutrients it can access when it will needs it the most. If you are choosing a fertiliser have it with a higher nitrogen value. This will help keep the lawn looking green. This time of year is also a good time to re-seed any patches that might be in need of some repair as the summer weeds begin to die off and space opens up for new grass to sprout. New grass that can establish itself in the colder season will come back more vigorous in the spring.