Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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With cooler weather right around the corner, now is a good time to prepare your home for the fall and winter months ahead. Because of the temperature changes, weather conditions and the natural aging of your home, seasonal maintenance is important to prevent larger problems. Here’s a checklist we’ve put together to get you started:

• Examine your roof and gutters - See if you have any missing shingles or need to make any minor repairs to your roof. Clear any leaves, dirt or debris from your gutters and downspouts.
• Change your air filters - This will not only help extend the life of your home's central air system, replacing the air filters will also help provide a healthier environment in your home.
• Check all your vents, including your attic ventilation system - Make sure your vents are open and not blocked by any furniture. As for your attic vents, make sure they are free of leaves and debris. If this is your first winter in the home, you will want to make sure your attic insulation is not covering any of the ventilation system.
• Drain your hot water heater - This is especially important if you live in an area with hard water. Extra sediments could build up in your tank. You'll also want to make sure there is no rust developing in your tank - you can tell by the color of the water. If you start to notice a brown or red tint to the water, your water heater may need to be replaced.
• Replace leaky faucets - No one wants a leaking or broken pipe in the dead of winter. Making minor repairs at the first sign of leaking can save you money in the long run.
• Check your home’s windows and doors for unwanted drafts - Open all your windows and exterior doors in the house and check the seals and caulking around the frames. If you have a window that is extremely drafty, think about adding heavier draperies or even clear plastic to cover them.
• Empty your garden hose - When the water in your garden hose freezes it will cause the hose to expand and tear. It's a good idea to disconnect them from the spigots and store them inside.
• Remove the fuel from your gas-powered summer lawn equipment - If fuel remains in a piece of equipment for an extended period of time, there is a chance that the fuel line could become clogged.
• Trim any potentially dangerous tree limbs - Look for limbs close to your home that could collapse under the weight of snow or ice and cause damage.  Consider hiring a professional to check the health of trees near your home if you've been in a drought-affected area.
• Give the inside of your home a deep cleaning - Take the time to do some additional fall cleaning such as shampooing your carpets, cleaning behind your fridge and stove, and cleaning your curtains and drapes. This will help remove dust and dirt that can circulate through your home during the winter.

Maintaining your home properly can save you time and money in the long run. You'll be happy you put in the extra work by avoiding costly emergency repairs later on.