Neighborhood News: With the leaves turning yellow and orange, now is the time to get your house ready for fall. 

(1) Check the gutters: Clear the gutters of leaf and pine needle debris, and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Look for loose joints or other structural problems with the system, and repair them as needed using pop rivets. Use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring.

(2) Drain sprinkler systems: Now is the time to be thinking about having your sprinkler and irrigation systems blown out. You can rent a compressor and do this yourself, or contact a landscape or irrigation system installer and have them handle this for you. This is also the time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.

(3) Check the fireplace: Clean the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue using brushes approved for the size and type of flue you have. If you're not partial to ladders, roofs and soot, this is a good project to leave to an experienced chimney sweep company – most do a great job at a very reasonable price.

(4) Handle those yard chores: Many plants require pruning this time of year, and lawns should be fertilized with a fall/winter fertilizer to feed them through the winter and get them ready for a fast green-up when spring returns.

(5) Close off foundation vents: Closing off your foundation vents helps prevent pipe freezes. You can leave the foundation open for as many months as the weather remains mild, but close them off when the local forecasts begin calling for freezing temperatures.

(6) Pack up the patio: Check and clean patio furniture and put them away for the winter. Clean and cover removable furniture cushions to protect them from dust and dirt, but be sure the cushions are dry before storing in order to prevent mildew growth.

(7) Add a humidifier: Do you have cracking hardwood floors? Plagued with dry skin, cracking furniture, or maybe even an occasional nosebleed? You might want to think about adding a central humidifier to your forced air heating system, or simply set up one or two portable units in key areas of the house such as the living room or bedroom.

(8) Check weather-stripping: Check the weather-stripping around doors and windows, and replace any that are worn – retailers who specialize in doors and windows can fix you up with the proper replacement type for your situation. Now is also a good time to close up a few more air leaks by checking the condition of caulking around exterior door and window frames.