As the days grow shorter, the weather becomes colder and snow is on its way, it's time to begin focusing on the indoor task that you may have been putting off.

 

1. Sweep and Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces

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A chimney should be cleaned and inspected yearly. A chimney sweep will help protect your home from accidental fires caused by creosote build-up. If you didn't give your interior fireplace surround a good cleaning at the end of last winter, do it now. Waiting another season will just add to the build-up of soot and make cleaning even more difficult.

Gas logs and fireplaces should also be inspected and cleaned so that they are safe and ready for use.

2. Change Smoke Detector Batteries

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A change of seasons also signals a time to change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is one chore that can mean the difference in life and death and thousands of dollars in repair costs.

3. Clean or Replace HVAC Filters

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In addition to having an HVAC technician check your heating system, it is important to regularly change the filters in your heating and air conditioning system. Changing or cleaning filters will improve the air quality of your home and reduce the wear and tear on your furnace.

4. Clean and Reverse Ceiling Fans

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If the ceiling fans in your home have been running all summer, it's time to turn them off and clean the fan. Then, look for a small switch to reverse the blades so that the heated air will be redirected in a downward flow to keep you warmer during chilly days.

5. Deep Clean Throughout the House

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If you've taken it easy during the summer and only gotten rid of the most visible grime, it's time to do a deeper cleaning including those places that you have been forgetting to clean including your cleaning tools. As you move through the rooms in your home, follow a checklist to make sure everything gets the attention it needs.

6. In the Bedroom

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• Vacuum under the bed and all furniture.

• Wash or freshen heavier winter bedding.

• Vacuum and flip mattress.

• Clean carpets and rugs. 

7. Store Summer Clothes and Inspect Winter Wardrobes

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While you're cleaning the bedrooms, don't forget your closet and summer clothes. Empty each clothes closet and sort summer clothes before storing them away. Choose clothes that you want to store until next year to be laundered or dry cleaned. The rest should be sold, donated or discarded. 

While the closet is empty, check that no harmful pests that can ruin clothes are lurking by vacuuming it out well.

8. In the Bathroom

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• Treat any mold or mildew in the shower stall.

• Clean out bathroom cabinets and properly discard out-of-date products.

• Wash shower curtains and bathmats.

• Clean all fixtures including switch plates and doorknobs.

• Replace toothbrushes.

9. In the Living Room

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• Vacuum all upholstered furniture, including under the cushions.

• Clean all keyboards, remotes, and electronic devices.

• Dust baseboards, tops of furniture, and books.

• Clean walls and remove scuff marks.

• Clean wood floors, wool rugs, and carpet.

10. In the Kitchen

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• Empty and clean the pantry. Make a list of holiday baking supplies that you will need.

• Clean the oven and vent hood.

• Clean the refrigerator and freezer and discard unusable items. Dust and clean the refrigerator coils.

• Inspect and clean small appliances.