Angie's List

  The fall season offers homeowners a final chance to prepare for the upcoming cold weather and even some of the easiest chores can save you big dollars on your energy bills. In this weeks Angie's List Report Jim Donovan tells us about some of the items you want to tend to.

As temperatures begin to drop it's time to get cracking on a fall to-do list.

"It's important to have your heating system inspected. it should be expected twice a year - once in the spring in the air conditioner, and once in the fall for the furnace. And do it early, don't wait until the rush when the cold weather actually hits. this will help your furnace run more efficiently, which will save you money, make sure you have clean air filters in your house which will also help with energy efficiency. And it can hopefully prevent you from having a breakdown in the dead of winter," Angie's List founder Angie Hicks said.

Service your heating system: As much as 80 percent of emergency calls answered by heating specialists are the result of improper maintenance. Schedule an appointment soon so you can beat the rush and help avoid a breakdown in the middle of a freeze.

Check and replace filters: Fall is also the perfect time to check your furnace filters and replace if necessary. Efficient operation distributes heat better and cuts your energy costs. Plus, it's an inexpensive and easy task.

Your gutters deserve some attention too, Angie says, "Gutter cleaning is really important, and most of us may not realize how important it is because of the damage that can result if you ignore them. You want to be sure that you are cleaning them out because if the leaves are left in there you could have gutter damage, you could have roofing damage, you could even have water in your basement which can be an expensive item to fix."

Check your gutters: Gutter blockage of dead leaves and other muck can cause serious water damage to your home. If they are clogged, hire a professional for a cleaning. If they are not clogged, check again after the leaves have fallen.

How often? Clean your gutters twice a year - after the leaves fall in the autumn and after the seeds fall in the spring.

What about gutter guards? While protective barriers for gutters are growing increasingly popular, they are not a replacement for regular cleanings.

Lastly, don't forget the fireplace. Angie says "If you have a fireplace you should be scheduling a chimney sweep to have your fireplace both inspected and cleaned each fall because this can help prevent fires. They need to clean the inside of your chimney where you can find buildup, which can lead to a fire.

Annual inspection: When wood burns it creates a substance called creosote. Creosote builds up on the walls of your chimney over time. Creosote is flammable and must be removed to avoid a chimney fire. The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least an annual chimney inspection - you can go every two or three years if you use your chimney sparingly.

What's that smell? If you notice smoky or burnt wood smell from the fireplace when the A/C is on, the chimney probably needs a sweep. In hot weather, a chimney can draw air into the house through the damper. If you smell that, you've got a sooty chimney.

Keep in clean: Don't forget to ensure your chimney sweep will take precautions to keep soot from getting onto your carpets as he or she cleans - good sweeps will have a detailed plan for protecting your furnishings.