Getting Ready for Fall

September 2, 2025 Announcements

Temperatures are dropping, and now is the time to get your home ready for winter!

In this third edition of Maintenance Matters, our world-class construction team, led by Ryan Rathburn with support from Hunter Kick, has a few tips to keep your home warm and your utility bills low this winter.

Regular furnace servicing improves indoor air quality, boosts system efficiency, lowers energy bills, and reduces costly repairs. Here are some annual maintenance items you can do as a homeowner:

• Replace the furnace air filter. Air filters should be replaced regularly. Check the system filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty.
• Clear the area around the furnace. Remove any stored items near the unit to prevent fire hazards.
• Ensure vents and registers are unobstructed. Make sure furniture, rugs, and other objects are not blocking airflow from your supply vents or return grills.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed and ensure detectors are functioning correctly to keep your family safe. Replace the detector if it is over five years old.
• Check the thermostat settings. Make sure it’s working correctly and programmed for your heating needs.

If you have an older home, it is possible that it is not adequately insulated. A licensed insulation company or home energy auditor can help you determine if you have the insulation you need. It can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over time! You can do your own basic home inspection with this 5-point checklist:

1. Start by inspecting your attic to verify it has adequate insulation. In our region of the country, it is recommended to have 10-14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation in the attic, above all living spaces.
2. Ensure the rim joists in the basement are insulated. This is the space between the floor joists where they meet the exterior walls. You can insulate these areas by simply cutting batt insulation to size and stuffing it into place.
3. Verify your exterior walls are insulated. If you suspect they are not insulated or need help installing insulation, consider reaching out to a certified local contractor that offers free home energy assessments.
4. If your home sits on a crawl space, inspect and ensure there is secure insulation between the floor joists.
5. Seal drafts and gaps at all exterior walls, including your basement and crawl space. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, vents, wires, and pipes. Even small leaks can let in a surprising amount of cold air.

These small investments can have big returns for your pocketbook and for the planet!

Need more advice about your own home? Our Home Preservation Initiative is an excellent resource for property owners in Lucas County.