Top Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Checklist for Fall Home Maintenance

• Make note. Take a walk around your property, to look for signs of damage to the roof, siding and foundation. If you spot anything that needs repair, schedule it before winter weather hits.

• Clean up the yard. Rake up the leaves and debris. Make sure that overgrowth does not block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home.

• Clean the windows. Rain and wind from over the summer months can make your windows dirty and streaked.

• Schedule furnace maintenance. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Have the HVAC system checked before you need to turn on the heat.

• Clean out the fireplace. Have your chimney cleaned by a professional.

• Clean the gutters. After leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts.

• Caulk windows. Be sure to caulk around windows and doorframes to prevent heat from escaping.

• Inspect the roof. Make sure the roof is in good shape. Inspect for missing and loose shingles. Your roof protects your home, make the repairs when they happen so you don’t find yourself in a predicament.

• Reverse the ceiling fans. Change the direction of your ceiling fan to create an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling.

• Cover air conditioner. Remove units from windows or wrap the outside box with a tarp.

• Clean off your porch and deck. Look for any needed repairs and cover or store outdoor furniture in a protected area. Make sure all soil is emptied from pots and planters.

• Improve Insulation. This will help prevent cold air from seeping into your interior. Investing in insulation will save you money on your energy bills because your furnace will not have to work overtime to heat your home.

• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated.

• Shut off exterior faucets. Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets and drain hoses and store them.

• Winterize the sprinkler system.

• Check safety devices. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed. If you haven’t checked your home for radon, fall is a good time to do so.