Reminders
It’s our mission to help you win every day. Our daily reminders feature helps you remember the things you need to do on the days you need to do it.
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24
Sep
Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt
Buy ice melt before storms so you can keep walkways safe and avoid emergency prices.
What you will need
- Ice melt or sidewalk salt (pet-safe if needed)
- Sealable storage bin
- Scoop
Steps to follow
- Estimate how much you’ll need based on walkway size and typical storms.
- Choose the right product (pet-safe, concrete-safe, or standard) for your home.
- Buy in advance and store bags in a dry, sealed bin to prevent clumping.
- Keep a scoop ready by the door or garage for quick application.
- Label the bin clearly so everyone knows what to use during freezes.
Benefits
Avoid surge pricing
Buying early can save 10–30% vs. storm-week prices.
Prevent injury costs
Treated walks reduce slip-and-fall expenses ($100–$500 in urgent care bills).
Protect surfaces
Using the right product avoids concrete damage ($100–$300 repairs).
23
Sep
Protect your air conditioning unit with a waterproof cover
Cover your outdoor AC unit to keep debris and moisture out during the off-season.
What you will need
- Breathable, waterproof AC cover (top-vented)
- Bungee cords or straps (if not included)
- Foam pipe insulation (optional for exposed lines)
Steps to follow
- Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect to protect the unit during the off-season.
- Clear leaves and debris around the condenser so the base is clean and dry.
- Place a breathable, waterproof cover over the unit leaving a few inches at the bottom for airflow.
- Secure the cover with straps so the wind can’t tear or dislodge it.
- Insulate exposed refrigerant lines with foam sleeves if they’re unprotected.
Benefits
Avoid corrosion repairs
Protects fins, fan, and wiring ($150–$600).
Reduce spring cleaning/service
Less debris means fewer maintenance hours ($100–$200).
Extend AC lifespan
Protection delays major replacements ($4,000–$10,000).
22
Sep
Get heating system ready for winter
Prep your heating system now to save money and prevent breakdowns in cold weather.
What you will need
- New furnace filter (correct size)
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Screwdriver (if needed for panels)
Steps to follow
- Turn off power to the unit and replace the furnace filter in the correct airflow direction.
- Vacuum return grills and accessible vent covers to remove dust that restricts airflow.
- Turn the system to “Heat” and test for warm air at several registers.
- Walk the house and clear furniture from vents so airflow isn’t blocked.
- Schedule a professional inspection if you hear noises, smell burning, or see error codes.
Benefits
Cut energy bills
Clean filters and clear vents can save $50–$150 annually.
Prevent no-heat emergencies
Early fixes avoid repair calls ($150–$400).
Extend system life
Lower strain delays replacement ($3,000–$8,000).
21
Sep
Winterize your gas grill
Winterize your gas grill so it’s clean, dry, and protected until spring.
What you will need
- Grill brush and mild degreaser
- Microfiber cloths or paper towels
- Foil drip pan replacement (if used)
- Waterproof grill cover
- Wrench
Steps to follow
- Burn off residue on high for 10 minutes and let the grill cool fully.
- Scrub grates and interior surfaces with a grill brush and mild degreaser.
- Empty and replace the drip pan so grease doesn’t attract pests.
- Shut the propane valve and disconnect the tank, then store the tank upright outdoors.
- Cover the grill with a waterproof cover and secure any straps against wind.
Benefits
Avoid part replacements
Prevents rusted grates/burners ($50–$200).
Skip spring service calls
Clean, protected grills reduce tune-ups ($100–$200).
Extend grill life
Delays full replacement ($300–$1,000+).
20
Sep
Fix loose fence or gate posts
Secure loose fence or gate posts to keep your fence stable and safe before winter weather makes problems worse.
What you will need
- Work gloves and safety glasses
- Level
- Shovel or post-hole digger
- Gravel (drainage rock)
- Fast-setting exterior concrete mix (optional but recommended)
- Exterior screws/lag bolts and a socket/driver
- Bracing lumber (2×4s) and clamps (for temporary support)
- Hose or bucket (for mixing)
Steps to follow
- Assess the post by pushing it side to side to confirm where the movement is coming from (base versus hardware).
- Tighten hardware on rails, hinges, and brackets with a driver to remove obvious sway.
- Brace the post plumb using 2×4s and a level so it stays straight while you work.
- Excavate around the base 6–8 inches deep to expose the footing and clear loose soil or rotten material.
- Add 3–4 inches of gravel for drainage, tamp it firm, and check the post for plumb again.
- Pour fast-setting concrete around the base (if the hole is large or the soil is weak).
- Let the mix set per label (usually 20–40 minutes for initial set), then remove braces once stable and re-check plumb.
- Realign the gate and latch by adjusting hinges or strike plate so the gate swings freely without dragging.
Benefits
Avoid panel replacement
Securing posts prevents panel failure or re-hanging costs, saving $200–$600.
Skip emergency fixes
Reinforcing now reduces storm damage and urgent call-outs ($150–$300).
Extend fence life
Proper footing and drainage delay full replacement ($1,500+ for long runs).
19
Sep
Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean flues and vents
Schedule a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your flues and vents.
Steps to follow
- Contact a certified chimney sweep and schedule an appointment.
- Prepare the area by moving furniture and covering nearby surfaces.
- Allow access to the flue and vents for cleaning and inspection.
- Review the sweep’s findings and ask about any repairs needed.
Benefits
Prevent fire damage
Cleaning reduces chimney fire risk, saving $10,000+ in losses.
Avoid costly repairs
Early detection of cracks prevents major fixes ($1,500+).
Improve heating efficiency
A clean chimney lowers energy costs by $100–$300 annually.
18
Sep
Clean ceiling or portable fans
Dust ceiling or portable fans to keep them efficient and dust-free.
What you will need
- Step stool or ladder
- Microfiber cloth or duster
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Mild cleaner (for sticky buildup)
Steps to follow
- Turn off the fan and unplug portable models.
- Wipe blades or grills with a microfiber cloth or duster.
- Vacuum around the motor and housing to remove built-up dust.
- Use mild cleaner on any greasy or sticky spots.
- Dry all parts fully before turning the fan back on.
Benefits
Avoid professional cleaning
Regular dusting saves $100–$200 in deep cleaning fees.
Extend fan life
Clean motors prevent breakdowns, saving $50–$300 in replacements.
Improve air quality
Reduces allergens that could lead to medical costs.
17
Sep
Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your home safe.
What you will need
- Step stool or ladder
- Spare batteries
- Cleaning cloth
Steps to follow
- Press the “test” button on each detector to confirm the alarm sounds.
- Replace batteries immediately if the alarm doesn’t work.
- Clean battery terminals if corrosion is present, then test again.
- Replace the detector entirely if it still fails after fresh batteries.
Benefits
Prevent fire damage
Working alarms save lives and avoid losses of $10,000+.
Cut insurance risk
Functional detectors may lower premiums.
Avoid replacement costs
Testing extends detector life, delaying new purchases ($30–$60 each).
16
Sep
Bring plants in during cold spells to prevent frost damage
Move plants indoors during cold spells to protect them from frost.
What you will need
- Plant trays or saucers
- Protective sheets (for larger plants)
- Space indoors with sunlight
Steps to follow
- Check the forecast for frost warnings or temperatures near freezing.
- Move potted plants indoors to a sunny window or sheltered space.
- Cover large plants outside with sheets or frost cloth if they can’t be moved.
- Water plants lightly before bringing them in to reduce stress.
- Return plants outdoors once temperatures rise again.
Benefits
Avoid replacement costs
Protects plants that could cost $20–$100+ each to replace.
Reduce gardening expenses
Keeps perennials healthy, saving on replanting.
Preserve investment
Protects decorative pots and planters from cracking in frost.