Seasonal home care tips from Spire experts
A few simple steps can help keep your family safe, protect your equipment and even lower energy costs this fall.
Autumn is the perfect time to give your home a seasonal checkup. From sealing up drafts to inspecting your furnace and natural gas appliances, these tips from Spire experts can help you button things up before the chill sets in.
- Show your furnace some love: “Start by servicing your furnace. Replace the air filter to improve efficiency and air quality, and test your thermostat to make sure it’s working and set to a comfortable temperature. It’s also a good idea to schedule a tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician. They’ll check for carbon monoxide leaks, clean components, and make sure everything’s running safely." – Patrick, leak truck foreman
- Check your safety devices: “Don’t forget to test your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Replace the batteries in both devices and make sure they’re placed near bedrooms and any gas appliances.” – Patrick, leak truck foreman
- Disconnect and drain: “As cold weather approaches, disconnect hoses from your outside faucets. That helps prevent water lines from freezing and breaking inside your home. If you’ve got a frost-free faucet, just unscrew the hose and any attachments. If it’s not frost-free, turn off the line inside and open the outside faucet to let the water drain out." – Michael, general fitter
- Store fuel safely: “If you’re putting away propane heaters or grills for the winter, disconnect the propane tank and store it outside or in a well-ventilated space. The same goes for gasoline-powered yard equipment. Drain the gas before storing it indoors. Just let the equipment run outside until the fuel is gone. It’s a simple step that helps prevent dangerous leaks and fire risks.” – Michael, general fitter
- Seal up those sneaky spots: “Get your heating system inspected before it gets too cold, and while you’re at it, check your home for drafts. Even the best system will work harder and cost more if warm air is escaping through gaps and cracks. Sealing leaks keeps the heat where you want it: inside.” – Kevin, crew leader