Money Smarts Blog

There’s something magical about fall. Cooler mornings, football Saturdays, pumpkin everything, and the sudden realization that you probably should have done something about that weird noise your furnace has been making since March.

Before the leaves completely take over your yard and winter decides to move in, fall is the perfect time to give your home a little TLC. A few simple projects now can help you stay comfortable, avoid bigger headaches later, and keep your home ready for whatever Iowa weather throws at you.

We also checked in with Josh from O’Dell’s Heating & Air and Brandon from Radiant Glass & Repair to get their take on what homeowners should have on their fall checklist.

Give Your Furnace Some Love

Your furnace has been sitting around all summer, minding its own business. Before you ask it to work overtime, give it a little attention.

Start by replacing your furnace filter and making sure your vents aren't blocked by furniture, toys, or that decorative basket you keep moving around but never actually putting away.

It's also a good time to have your heating system inspected and tuned up.

Josh from O'Dell's Heating & Air Conditioning recommends getting ahead of the first really cold day instead of waiting until your furnace decides to pick the most inconvenient moment to stop cooperating.

And that's where being an IHMVCU member can come in handy. Through Member Advantages, IHMVCU members can receive savings with O'Dell's, so you can get your heating system ready for the season while keeping a little more money in your wallet.

Because nobody wants their first fall emergency to be a furnace repair.

Give Your Windows a Once-Over

Fall is also the perfect time to check your windows and doors for drafts, cracks, or damaged seals.

You want the crisp fall air outside where it belongs, not sneaking into your living room and making your furnace work harder.

Brandon from Radiant Glass says fall is a great time to take a look at your windows and glass before winter arrives. Small issues with seals, cracks, or damaged glass can become bigger problems when temperatures drop.

And if you discover that your windows or glass need some attention, IHMVCU members can take advantage of Member Advantages savings with Radiant Glass.

So, before you find yourself wrapped in three blankets while sitting next to a window, give Brandon and his team a call.

Clean Those Gutters

Leaves are beautiful. Leaves packed into your gutters? Less beautiful.

Clean out your gutters and downspouts before snow and ice arrive. Make sure water can flow freely away from your home and check for sagging or damaged sections while you're at it.

Your future self will thank you when the first big rain or snowmelt hits.

Give Your Yard a Final Fall Sweep

Before winter takes over, spend a little time getting the outside of your home ready.

• Rake leaves and clear away debris.
• Trim branches that are getting a little too close to your house.
• Put away outdoor furniture and summer equipment.
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Shut off exterior water connections if appropriate for your home.
• Give your lawn one last mow before winter settles in.

Think of it as putting your yard to bed for the season.

Do a Quick Safety Check

Fall is also a great time to tackle those little safety jobs that are easy to forget.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. Check that fire extinguishers are accessible and make sure everyone in the household knows what to do in an emergency.

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure it's clean and ready before you start your first cozy fire of the season.

Take a Walk Around Your House

Finally, do a quick walk-around and look for anything that could become a bigger problem once the weather turns.

Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Look at exterior caulking. Check for cracks in your foundation. Make sure outdoor lights are working and that your house numbers are easy to see.

None of these jobs are particularly glamorous.

But neither is discovering a problem in January when it's 12 degrees outside.

Make Your Fall To-Do List Work for You

You don't have to tackle everything in one weekend. Pick a few projects each week and work your way through the list.

And remember, you don't always have to DIY it.

That's one of the perks of IHMVCU Member Advantages. Your membership can help you save with local businesses like O'Dell's Heating & Air Conditioning and Radiant Glass, while also giving you access to people like Josh and Brandon who know their stuff when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and ready for the seasons.

Because fall should be about football, cozy blankets, and pumpkin treats.

Not emergency furnace calls and surprise drafts.

So grab your checklist, grab your leaf rake, and get your house ready for sweater weather.