Autumn is here

Here are a few SoCal-focused things to do around the house

As summer’s heat starts to wind down, we at Dilbeck Real Estate look forward to fall! While our winter prep is less intense in most of Southern California, there are a few things you might want to tackle in the next month or so, before the chill sets in:

• Clean and repair your gutters and downspouts, to avoid flooding and divert runoff from your home’s foundation.
• Get your heater or HVAC serviced, so it’s ready when you need it.
• Hunt for drafts, particularly around windows and doors, and seal them up to save energy and protect from chills, A/C leakage, and “visitors”.
• Clean your windows during this seasonal “Goldilocks time” when it’s not too hot and not too cold.
• Change your batteries (and consider rechargeables) in alarms, timers, and other unwired, low-power gadgets.
• Reassess your planting: If water restrictions have been tough on your landscaping, this might be a good time to bring in some indigenous replacements that require less water and are durable during seasonal changes.
• Fill any cement cracks. If you do get a freeze in the coming months, those little cracks will only get bigger!
• Schedule an annual roof inspection with a qualified roofer. That watertight seal is easier to patch before the rain comes. Download this guide to finding a roofing contractor
• Replace your filters, for cleaner air and happier breathing during indoor months.
• Check out your fireplace, including the chimney and damper, to make sure they’re ready for cozy evenings at home. Schedule a cleaning ASAP if you need it. This article can help you find a pro.

It may still seem early, but these steps will make a difference once the weather starts to shift, and get them done in the next few weeks if you can. Then you can set aside your seasonal chores and put your focus on the pleasures of fall, like popcorn balls, mulled cider, and your favorite sweater.

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