Preparing Your Home for Autumn

While the sun is shining and we’re all making the most of the Great British Summer, it’s sometimes hard to believe that in a few months’ time we’ll be wrapping up warm, stoking fires and sweeping leaves in the garden. It may seem quite early to start thinking about these things and perhaps best not to until autumn properly arrives, however it is a good idea to get ahead and make some preparations for the season.

Here at Glowing Embers we thought we would put together a small guide to help you prepare for autumn, looking at the kinds of things you can get done around the and in the garden so you’re ready when the leaves begin to fall.

Outside

There are plenty of things you can prepare for outside in the run-up to autumn, making your life easier when the winds begin to blow and the rain starts falling. Not only will many of these tasks keep your house and garden in shape during the autumn months but also throughout winter and even into spring too.

  • Clean gutters and drainage

A very simple and easy task, cleaning your gutters and unblocking drains ensures they will not be constantly clogged up with any excess debris when the autumn rains begin to fall. However, don’t forget to keep on top of this when autumn does come around as falling leaves will likely block them too.

  • Check your home for cracks

While the weather is nice and warm, a quick inspection of your home in the summer can save a lot of hassle later in the year. If you see any cracks or holes in the walls or roof, get them repaired, either by yourself or by hiring a professional.

  • Cut back bushes

Another good excuse to get out in the garden this summer, cutting back any garden bushes not only keeps your garden looking good but avoids having to wrestle with an out of control hedge in the freezing winter months.

  • Plant bulbs

This may sound bizarre, but the best time to plant your bulbs for spring is towards the end of summer and beginning of autumn. While the soil is still soft and fertile, make sure you plant any spring flowers’ bulbs now before it gets too wet and cold.

  • Stock up on wood

If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace then it’s a good idea to start stocking up on some new logs and rotate any seasoned pieces of wood you have. Bring the seasoned wood indoors and replace it with fresh logs for next year.

  • Rearranging your shed

By making sure leaf rakes and shears are easy to hand in your shed whilst moving deckchairs and parasols to the back can save a lot of hassle when your having to tidy up the garden in autumn.

Inside

Whilst it’s important to prepare the outside of your house and garden for autumn, it is equally, if not more, important to get the inside of your home ready. With just a few simple changes and checks, you can relax and even save money during the autumn.

  • Check for draught

A simple check for cracks inside your house or gaps between windows can remedy a lot of problems in autumn and winter. There’s nothing worse than a draughty house in autumn and dealing with them now will keep you warm in the months ahead and save money on heating bills. If your spot a crack and/or a draught, get it filled or, if very serious, checked out by a professional.

  • Look at your thermostat

Setting your thermostat to an automatically lower temperature at night time when the temperatures begin to drop can save money on your heating bills.

  • Stock up on fuel

Making sure you have ample fuel in your house for your fire, whether it be wood or coal, means you don’t have to rush out to get some if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse.

  • Test devices

Device like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can run out of battery or become faulty after a time and in the autumn, having a fire on in your home means you are more likely to need them. Just give them a quick check and replace any batteries or devices where necessary.

  • Get chimney swept

It’s sometimes easy to forget that you ever needed to have a fire on in the house when the weather is so good. However, all that wood and coal you burnt last winter and autumn produces a lot of soot which can get clogged up in your chimney. While you’re not using your fireplace, hire a professional to inspect and sweep the chimney, and give your fireplace a good clean.

  • Get your boiler serviced

Whether this is a full service or a simple inspection by a hired professional, keeping on top of your boiler’s status will not only avoid any horrible surprises when it gets chilly but also potentially save you money on your heating bills.

Whilst there may seem like a lot that you need to do in the run up to autumn, in truth many of these tasks only take a few minutes to complete and some are even a nice way to enjoy the summer weather outdoors. Autumn may seem like a long way off, but, in reality, it’s only just around the corner and by staying on top of things and preparing your house and garden for the season you can save money and make your life much easier.

26th September 2018