Happy first day of fall! Now is the time for chilly nights bundled up by the campfire and walking through crunchy leaves to pick the perfect apples. While all these activities that are yet to begin sound exciting, make sure you add home preparation to your to-do list this season. Here is a list of tips to prepare your home for the coming season both inside and out:Happy first day of fall! Now is the time for chilly nights bundled up by the campfire and walking through crunchy leaves to pick the perfect apples. While all these activities that are yet to begin sound exciting, make sure you add home preparation to your to-do list this season. Here is a list of tips to prepare your home for the coming season both inside and out:

Outside the House

1. Clean the gutters! Clogged drains from fallen leaves can wreak havoc on your home when the freezing winter comes.

2. Replace window screens with storm windows to prepare for winds and weather.

3. Cut down perennials and prune bushes to enhance growth come spring.

4. Rake fallen leaves so that grass does not become damaged from deterioration.

5. Store away window air conditioners and outdoor lighting like path lights and accent lights to allow for use next year.

6. Stow away lawn mowers, sprinklers, and hoses.

Inside the House

1. Test your HVAC system before it gets too cold in order to beat the winter rush and ensure you’re not stuck in the cold when you need the heating system most. Don’t forget to change furnace filters!

2. Clean the fireplace and chimney to prevent potential chimney fires from arising during use.

3. Switch ceiling fans to winter mode (ceiling fan should rotate clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer for optimal comfort).

4. Sanitize your humidifiers to prepare for the dry seasons ahead.

5. Pull out warm clothes from storage.6. Caulk doors and windows to prevent drafting.

Enjoy the fall season and remember to stop into your local Hortons for all the latest trends in home lighting!