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Key Maintenance Tasks All Homeowners Should Tackle This Fall

Cool, crisp air has returned and the leaves are showing their brilliant hues. That can only mean fall is here, and with it some key maintenance tasks all homeowners should tackle in order to prevent structural damage, save energy and keep their home's systems running properly.

By completing these tasks now, you will allow plenty of time to sit back and enjoy all the fun fall festivities:

• Spend some time outdoors picking up around your property. Put away gardening tools, summer toys, patio furniture and pool supplies. To help prevent water damage, you should also check regularly that your gutters are clear of falling leaves.
• Inside, remove your screens and install storm windows which will help keep heat in on cold days. Change your air filters, too, to reduce allergens.
• Have your heating unit serviced, and drain your hot water heater to improve the efficiency of these systems. The first really cold day is not the day you want to find out your furnace no longer works.
• Prevent a chimney fire by arranging for the chimney to be cleaned and checked for cracks and leaks.

SOURCE: Weichert Insights

Save on Water by Harvesting Rain with a Rain Barrel to Water Your Garden

An obvious reason for harvesting rainwater is to save money. In addition, you will help the environment. You can collect a substantial amount of rainwater with a simple system depending on the size of your home. This extra water can have a significant impact on your water bill. The fact that rainwater is a naturally soft water may be enough to justify harvesting rainwater.

Rainwater stored in rain barrels has many uses. Most people find it mostly useful for watering their landscapes and gardens.  You can use it directly from your rain barrel on your garden.

If you're harvesting rainwater with rain barrels to use for watering your landscaping, the rainwater can help to improve the health of your gardens, lawns, and trees. Rain is a naturally soft water and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. For this reason, plants respond very well to rainwater. After all, it's what plants in the wild thrive on!