The kids are back in school, and the evenings are about to turn cooler after a long, hot summer
that’s always a month too long. Everywhere you look, pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, golden leaves, and cheerful Fall seasonal harvest décor are beginning to appear, even though daytime temps
are in the high 70s to mid-80s. Before long, however, we’ll be raking the real leaves in the yard—and pulling out blankets for those chilly nights ahead this winter.
While you’re enjoying the change of season, it’s also time to give your home a little TLC. Think of it as preparing your house for its own “back-to-school” season before the colder and wetter weather
settles in. By starting now, you’ll be ahead of the game, or rather, not have to interrupt any big games on the weekend with catch-up maintenance chores. Here are a few get-ahead Fall home hot tips:
Show Your Furnace Some Love
Your furnace and fireplace worked hard last winter, and they probably deserve a check-up before
they get fired up again. Fall is a great time to call in your HVAC technician for a furnace
checkup, while their schedule is a bit lighter. A seasonal inspection often includes:
• Lubricating moving parts
• Testing the igniter
• Cleaning the burner
• Inspecting the heat exchanger
• Checking the gas flow and venting
• Tightening belts and adjusting airflow
Don’t forget about your thermostat—fresh batteries and updated settings will keep your system
running smoothly once you switch from A/C to heat. And of course, swap out those dusty air
filters! Clean filters mean fresher air and lower heating bills. Those who struggle with seasonal
allergies will especially appreciate the difference new filters can make in air quality.
Keep Safety Front and Center
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent danger in homes with natural gas appliances. Installing or
replacing a CO detector—or a combo CO/smoke detector—is an easy step that protects your
family. These detectors are now required in new construction and remodels, but every home
benefits from one. In addition, those CO sensors are electrochemical in design, and they do need
to be replaced from time to time. Don’t wait until the alarm goes off mysteriously to tell you it is
time for a new one.
Get Your Fireplace Chimney Ready
There’s nothing cozier than that first crackling fire in the fireplace. But before you light it, make
sure your chimney is clean and clear. Birds in the Spring can make nests in chimneys that result
in a smoky surprise for homeowners later at the start of the next Winter. A neglected chimney
can cause smoke backups, poor ventilation, or even fires. A professional sweep and inspection
ensures you can enjoy those cozy nights with peace of mind.
Prep Your Oven Before Holiday Baking
If you’re planning to bake pies, roasts, or cookies, or host family meals this holiday season, Fall
is a smart time to have your oven checked. Older models may require temperature calibration,
while newer ones might require the replacement of sensors or specialty oven lights. Bundling
this inspection with your furnace maintenance service can save you time and money.
Remodeling or Rebuilding?
If your fall to-do list includes a remodel, expansion, or even rebuilding after a fire or flood, keep
in mind that building codes and permit processes vary greatly by community. At Helfrich
Associates, we work closely with homeowners, insurance companies and building departments
across Southern California and the Southwest. Let us help you navigate the design process,
permits, approvals and advise you on selecting contractors—so your project stays stress-free.