Avoid the Winter Surprises! Fall Home Maintenance Must-Do’s You Do Not Want to Forget.
No matter how many pumpkin spice lattes, football games, or apple orchard visits we pack in this season, fall will soon be on it’s way out the door. Shorter days and colder weather are approaching, so don’t hold off on those pesky home repairs and projects before ice and snow make them more challenging! Check these fall maintenance must-do’s off your list for an easy and efficient transition this season that will ensure a cozy, warm place to come home to.
Interior:
- Switch out air filters in your furnace or heating system to maintain an efficient system without clog or damage. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by contacting a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace. This is often provided for free by your local utility company!
- Always make sure to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and provide new batteries with the changing of seasons.
- Drain your hot water heater to prevent clog and improve efficiency by up to 50 percent!
Exterior:
- Regularly clean your gutters of leaves and debris.
- Inspect or hire someone to inspect the shingles on your roof for wear and tear such as cracking, curling, or buckling. Damaged shingles need to be replaced, and it may be time to replace the entire roof in some cases.
- Shut off exterior water pipes and faucets. Don’t forget to run the water until it is all drained from the pipes to avoid frozen water damage! Drain and store exterior hoses inside.
- Get a good last window wash in just in time for the holidays.
- Seal cracks around doors and windows.
- Test outdoor lights and replace as required. With shorter days we safely rely on and aesthetically enjoy warm lighting!
- If you’re feeling really crafty, fall is actually a great time to paint your home with the lower humidity and cooler temperatures (as long as it’s not too chilly!).
Stock Up on Your Winter Supplies:
- Service the snowblower and purchase fuel
- Purchase pet and plant safe ice-melt
- Prepare emergency car and home kits
Don’t let any winter surprises get the best of you, get ahead and protect your home this fall!