As the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisp, it’s a sure sign that fall is upon us. While the season brings a sense of coziness and pumpkin spice everything, it also means it is time for some essential maintenance tasks. Preparing your home for the colder months ahead can save you money, prevent costly repairs and ensure your family’s comfort and safety through the winter months. Here is our fall house maintenance checklist to get your home ready.
Clean The Gutters
One of the most crucial fall house maintenance tasks is cleaning your gutter. Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters leading to water damage, ice dams and roof leaks. Make sure to removal all debris and check for loose or damaged gutter that may need to be repaired.
Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can lead to energy inefficiency and higher heating bills due to heat loss. Inspect the seals and weather stripping around your windows and doors to replace any that are worn or damaged. Add caulk or weather stripping where necessary to prevent drafts.
Service Your Heating System
Before the cold weather sets in, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. This will ensure it is running safely and efficiently throughout the winter months. You won’t risk having a breakdown and be without heat for a while during a cold snap. Also, remember to change your furnace filter every 3 months. This will maintain optimal performance.
Service Your Fireplace
It is important to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected before using it in the fall and winter. Creosote buildup can pose a fire hazard so it’s critical to make sure your fireplace is in good working order before using it for the season.
Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always be top priority in fall house maintenance. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to be sure they are functioning properly. Replace the batteries or install a new detector if yours are out of date. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, consider purchasing one, they easily plug in to a wall outlet.
Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
Fall house maintenence is not just for inside tasks. Protect your outdoor furniture and prolong its life by cleaning it thoroughly and storing it indoors or under weatherproof covers.
Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
As gardening season comes to and end, take time to clean up your garden beds, trim shrubs and prepare your lawn for winter. Remove dead plants and fallen leaves to prevents pests from taking hold over the fall.
Insulate Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes during cold snaps, insulate exposed waster pipes in unheated areas like basement and crawl spaces. You can use foam pipe insulation or heating tape to keep pipes warm.
Remove Rodent Attractants
Rodents are looking to move into warm place during the fall and winter months. Be sure to remove any attractants around your home and in your garage. These could be vegetable plants from the summer, seeds that have fallen from trees around your property, leftover bag of grass seed stored in your garage. Also remove anything they could find useful to make bedding out of for a nest. Seal up entry points to your home with foam spray, steel wool or weather stripping. Whatever it takes to fill in those gaps that rodents can squish through.
Prepare for Snow and Ice
If you live in an area prone to snowfall or icy conditions, stock up on winter essentials like shovels, a snow blower, salt and sand. Shop for these items before the first snowfall or you may have difficulty dining them. Make sure they are easily accessible for when you need them.
By following this fall house maintenance checklist, you can ensure your home is well-prepared for the fall and winter months. Regular upkeep not only saves you money in the long run but will keep your home safe and comfortable. Take time to tackle these tasks now, and you will be able to enjoy a cozy home until spring.