Now is the time to make the transition between indoor and outdoor living. As the last of the leaves fall, and temperatures grow colder, it is important to enjoy the last cool crisp days of autumn before gearing up for winter.
Here are 12 tasks to take care of in November.
Did you change the batteries in your smoke detectors and test the units? Daylight savings time was a good time to do this, but if you haven’t gotten around to it, yet, make it a priority task to complete before the end of the month.
Blanket your water heater this month, and you’ll save up to 10 percent on your water-heating costs.
Replace the filters in your furnace or have it checked and cleaned now, so you won’t be in for a cold surprise in the middle of winter.
Gather and purchase supplies to keep your bird friends fed throughout the winter.
Gather your leaves and turn them into mulch for next Spring’s garden.
Before the holidays set in, clean your kitchen appliances throughly, such as the refrigerator, the microwave and the oven.
Get your cookie cutters, cookie press and other seasonal baking gear out and wash them if necessary.
Purchase a snow shovel, snow blower and/or de-icing supplies, before the snow arrives.
Add or replace weather stripping and caulk around your windows and doors to keep your heat inside your home and not out the window.
Take advantage of the tax credit to add insulation to your attic or other space in your home.
Clean out the gutters and prepare the outside of your home for holiday lights.
Look into volunteer opportunities to help others this holiday season, such as soup kitchens, habitat for humanity, adopt-a-family programs, volunteering at a local hospital and more.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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