Cooler air, changing leaves and pumpkin spice everywhere could only mean one thing:

Fall 2015 is here. Are you ready?

We prepare our bodies for the Fall weather, but what can we do to prepare our homes? Below, we’ve listed some simple and inexpensive ideas to prepare for the cooler weather. Here’s the best part, the tips below will all save you money!

1.) Seal

Caulk Windows and Doors to Seal in Warm Air

In less than an hour, you can improve your home’s ability to retain heat, and in turn, save a bit on your heating bill. Windows and doors are your culprits. Spend a few bucks on a tube of caulk and add re-seal any areas that need it. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills this Fall 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Adding weather-stripping is also an easy way to help retain heat in your home. Often, you’ll find it in the form of black strips of rubber surrounding the opening of your front and back doors. If it’s not there, then buy some and add it. If it already is there, simply inspect it and repair and damaged pieces.

2.) Gutters

Clean the leaves & Debris out of Your Gutters

Grab a ladder and scan your gutters. Ensure no obstruction such as leaves and dirt hinder the flow of water. Simply clean out the gutters. It’s a good idea to wear gloves.

Cleaning the gutters now to ensure easy water flow is a lot better than replacing them later. Remember, melting snow in the coming months is heavy, and if it can’t flow easily, the likelihood of damaging your gutters increases.

3.) Furnace

Replace Your Furnace Filter to Improve Airflow

Check your air filter. You should be doing this every few months, but it’s especially important to do before turning on the heat. A dirty filter can hinder and clog air flow, which not only costs you extra money on your heating bill, but can pose a potential fire hazard.

If the filter is dirty, either clean it (if it’s the re-usable type) or buy a new one. $15 now is a lot better than the hundreds or even thousands it costs to repair the heating system.

4.) Insulation

Add Attic Insulation to Seal in Warm Air

Placing another layer of insulation in your attic will help blanket your ceilings slow heat loss in your home’s livable spaces longer. Wear gloves, a dust mask and safety goggles. Be careful while spreading the insulation in the attic, not to step through the ceiling.

You’ve taken care of the above, now take care of the below. In your home’s basement or crawl space, you’ll see hot water pipes. Grab some pipe insulation at your local hardware store. The material is of low cost, but it can save you money and headache.

Wrap all your hot water pipes, especially those that are near the outer areas of your basement or crawlspace walls. This will help keep them warm during frigid temperatures, and will dramatically reduce the risk of them bursting.

5.) Thermostat

Adjust Your Thermostat to Save Money

Ever walked into a home or business during winter time that felt like an oven? There’s no need to keep the inside of your home at a sweltering and money-draining 80-degrees Fahrenheit all fall and winter.

Use a programmable thermostat (they’re cheap) and set the temperature for a cooler setting when you’re not home and a warmer setting when you are home. Dress warmly, wearing socks and using blankets in the fall and winter. You’ll be surprised at how much you can drop the thermostat’s temperature, saving work for your furnace, which will save you money on your heating bill.

Applying these simple DIY Tips will help proof your home for Fall 2015.

Good Luck!

By Chuck Boggs & Justin Waybright