Contrary to what the rest of the country (world?) thinks, living in California doesn’t mean sunny warm temperatures 12 months of the year. We too experience chilly weather and even extreme rain and wind at times. This means we also need to prepare our homes for these expected seasonal events! Here’s a fall maintenance list that doesn’t include make sure your snow shovels are handy at all times: 



1. If you have a programmable thermostat, consider replacing it with a smart home device. This small upgrade can save you money throughout the fall and winter by regulating the temperature in your house “smartly.” Not just smart, they are convenient too as you can adjust the temperature in your home from virtually anywhere.
2. Clean your windows while the temperature is not too hot, nor too cold. Clean windows mean that sun can shine more freely in the autumn and winter giving your house a natural boost of heat and sunshine.
3. If you have a pool, you will likely not use it during the winter. Let the air out of the floaties and tidy up the summer toys like goggles, dive sticks and other pool paraphernalia. Clean them and put them away for spring.
4. Check batteries and working order of all your safety devices. This means everything from your fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and security alarms and alerts. Remember to replace batteries on the day we “fall back” in time.
5. Since the darkness is coming and earlier sunsets are already here, replace burned out light bulbs in and outside your home. You don’t want to be scrambling in the early evening after work trying to replace a bulb when it’s already dark in the house. 

If you’re looking for a snuggly new home in the Central Valley, please come visit some of the beautiful models we have throughout the San Joaquin Valley. See the San Joaquin Valley Homes for locations and times. We may even have a fire going to get you in the mood!