Today marks the first day of fall, and it definitely feels like it! Colder temperatures can mean big changes for your home, so this time of year is perfect to tackle some of those home maintenance chores early, so that your home is fully prepared for winter. 

And if you do live in an area with cold winters, take some time this fall to boost energy efficiency throughout your home, and prevent damage from winter storms with proper tree care (we spoke with an expert to find out what you need to do). [Houzz]

Here's our top tips for autumn home maitenance: 

  • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts: clogged gutters can lead to flooding and other issues.
  • Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors: besides air seeping through, which can lead to higher energy bills, water can come through cracks (which is never good for your home) or critters like mice too.
  • Inspect your roof for damaged shingles: again, you want your exterior structure to be strong and able to withstand all kinds of moisture and weather before it hits. 
  • Repair damaged sidewalks, driveways and steps: you want to ensure the walking areas to and from your house are repaired so that de-icing and shovelling will be easy, but also ensure railings and other stabilization parts are sturdy.
  • Drain and winterize outdoor water systems: this includes irrigation systems and faucets, and prevents them from freezing during the winter months. 
  • Clean or replace dirty furnace filters: you want to ensure your heat is working when you need it, and safe from anything that could cause a fire.
  • Check your fireplace for build-up and clean out (chimney sweep) if necessary: this is another common place people forget to check before they use it again, and another fire hazard in the home. 
  • Test any and all monitors (fire, carbon monixide, etc.) to ensure they are still working: something you should always do seasonally as a safety precaution. 

If you're looking for more guidance on fall home maintenance, Houzz has a very specific checklist available on their website here.


Posted by Kirby Cox on
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