Fall and Winter Preparation For Your Northern California Home

For fall and winter preparation in Northern California, focus on 🌬️ sealing drafts, 🍂 cleaning gutters, and ⚙️ servicing your HVAC system to improve efficiency and prevent damage. Also, 🚰 drain outdoor faucets, ❄️ protect vulnerable plumbing, 🏠 inspect your roof and trees, and 🚨 test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

**Interior preparation**
⚙️ **Service your HVAC system:**
Have your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced, and change the air filter.

🚪 **Seal windows and doors:**
Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal air leaks around windows and doors. During the day, open curtains to let sunlight in, and close them at night to keep the warmth inside.

🔄 **Reverse ceiling fans:**
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.

🚨 **Test safety devices:**
Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and replace batteries.

🔥 **Maintain your fireplace:**
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected, especially if you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace.

🏠 **Insulate and ventilate:**
Check your attic, crawl spaces, and basement for any gaps or drafts and address them.

**Exterior and plumbing preparation**
🍂 **Clean gutters and downspouts:**
Clear out leaves and debris to ensure proper water drainage away from your foundation.

🚰 **Drain outdoor plumbing:**
Disconnect and drain hoses and outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. If you have a sprinkler system, have it blown out.

🌳 **Inspect your roof and trees:**
Check for missing or damaged shingles. Trim tree branches that could fall on your roof during a storm.

🛋️ **Protect outdoor furniture:**
Store or cover outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements.

🏊 **Winterize your pool:**
Clean out debris and adjust your pool’s filter timer if it is still running.

**Other tips**
🐜 **Check for pests:**
As the weather cools, pests may look for shelter. Seal any potential entry points to your home.

🚗 **Winterize your garage door:**
Lubricate the rollers and tracks of your garage door to ensure it functions properly.

🪟 **Consider storm windows:**
If your windows are old and drafty, consider replacing them or installing storm windows for better insulation.