Autumn Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for the Cooler Season

Although the sun is still bright, this new season brings lower temperatures with crisp, fresh air and browning leaves falling from trees as they go into winter rest. Follow these simple steps to get your home autumn-ready in no time!

Replace Batteries in Smoke Alarms

It is important to check your smoke alarm and replace batteries every year to ensure it is working. Working smoke alarms let you know if there is a fire, increasing your chance of fleeing to safety and minimising damage to your property by giving you a warning to call emergency services. It is highly recommended to change your smoke alarm batteries at the same time you change your clocks when daylight savings ends on Sunday, 5^th April.

Check for Leaks and Drafts

Sealing air or even water leaks around your home is a simple task which will prevent cold spots and improve energy efficiency, saving you money on your bills. If your home is not sealed tight against water and air leaks, it can be vulnerable to expensive heat loss. Check your home’s windows for any gaps or damaged seals and look under doors for daylight or other signs of big openings which should be sealed off.

Another way to spot harder to find leaks is with the ‘candle test’. Walk around your home with a lit candle and hold near places you suspect may have a leak. If the flame starts to flicker, you have found a leak which needs attention.

Declutter Gutter

As leaves begin to fall from the trees, it’s an important time to clean your gutters. Failing to do so may lead to falling gutters, flooding and cracked foundations. Making sure it’s a clear day for safety reasons, use gloved hands to scoop debris into a bucket, hosing down your gutters once complete to clear anything you might have missed.

Clean and Replace Air Vents and Filters

An important step in ensuring the purity of the air in your home is to clean and replace air vents and filters. These ducts are filled with particles of dust, hair, skin, dirt, pollen and other allergens. Cleaning the build-up of dust and allergens will not only keep your family safe and healthy, but it will also save you money on heating and cooling.

Clean vents using a vacuum with a brush attachment and wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining mould and dust. If necessary, replace the filter on your cooling/heating system.

Sort Through Wardrobes

While this task is often associated with ‘spring cleaning’, it’s just as important to carry out at the beginning of autumn. Clean out your wardrobe and begin putting summer clothes away, as you get ready for jumper and scarf seasons! Donate any old or unwanted clothes to charity to help free space and keep your wardrobe organised.

Inspect Your Roof

In light of recent summer storms we have experienced, it is important to check your roof for any broken or damaged tiles. As your home’s first line of defence against wild weather, extreme temperatures and excess noise, you must ensure it is in its best condition all-year round. A roof health check can provide peace of mind during wet or windy autumn weather and help to improve energy efficiency.

Review Automatic Timers on Controls

As Daylight Savings comes to an end and the days begin to get shorter, you should remember to change the settings on your automatic timers. With the later sunrise, you may want to schedule your motorised blinds or curtains to open later on the weekends so you can stay in the warmth of your bed a little longer. The earlier sunset also means you should close your window coverings earlier than you did in summer to help keep the warmth in.

Hot Tip: Use Connexoon Window RTS to close your window coverings before you get home to ensure you aren’t coming home to a freezer.

For more information on how Somfy can help you save money on your energy bills in these cooler months, speak to your local Somfy Expert today!