Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Taking care of your home during the fall is crucial for its appearance and functionality. The specific steps for fall preparation may vary based on your location. It’s important to ensure that both the inside and outside of your home are prepared for fall maintenance. A well-planned fall home maintenance checklist can help you ensure your home is ready to withstand the challenges of winter. From sealing drafts to cleaning gutters, completing these tasks now will save you from costly repairs and discomfort later on.
Care for trees and shrubs.
If you have trees on your property, consider hiring an arborist to care for them. These pros can spot signs of poor health early on to prevent tree loss and know how to prune properly to avoid falling limbs in winter storms. Also, hire lawn services to rake the leaves and a cleaning company for your inside preparations.
Rake leaves.
Leaves look beautiful, blanketing the ground, but leaving too many leaves on a lawn over winter in a snowy area can inhibit spring growth. To make the job easier, choose a lightweight rake, wear gloves to protect your hands, and use handheld “leaf scoops” to bag leaves quickly.
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Most importantly, once most leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts (hire a helper if you are uncomfortable on a ladder). Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding.
Insulate windows
Bone-chilling drafts seriously detract from the cozy vibe you want. Keep it cozy by hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible to help you keep the heat inside.
Finally, you can add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach them to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Cross one drape over the other when you close up for the night. Insulating shades can do the trick, too. As a result, you will also spend less money on your electric bill.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
1- Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can increase energy expenses and make your home uncomfortable in winter. To avoid this, inspect the seals around your windows and doors for gaps or cracks. Use weatherstripping or caulk to fill any gaps, keeping cold and warm air out.
Tip: Use a lit candle to check for drafts along the margins of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, it indicates a draft.
2- Check the Roof and Chimney
Before winter storms arrive, you should inspect your roof and chimney. Look for missing or broken shingles, which could cause leaks and water damage. If you have a chimney, make sure it is clean and free of obstructions before utilizing your fireplace.
Tip: If you’re concerned about the state of your roof or chimney, hire a professional to inspect them thoroughly.
3- Service the Heating System
Your heating system will work overtime during the winter, so ensure it’s in good shape. Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your furnace or boiler to ensure it operates efficiently. Replace the air filters, check the thermostat, and think about having your ducts cleaned to improve air quality and system performance.
Tip: If you use a fireplace, stock up on firewood and get the chimney examined and cleaned to ensure safety.
4- Prepare the Plumbing
Frozen pipes can cause substantial damage and costly repairs. To avoid this, insulate any exposed pipes in unheated places like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Also, disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to outdoor taps to prevent freezing.
Tip: If you will be gone from home for an extended time, consider draining your plumbing system to prevent pipe bursts.
5- Winterize Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces when preparing for winter. Store or cover patio furniture, clean and store gardening tools, and protect outdoor plants from frost. If you have an irrigation system, drain and shut it off to prevent freezing and damage.
Tip: Consider applying a winter fertilizer to your lawn to promote healthy growth when spring arrives.
6- Clean and Aspect the Attic and Basement
During the winter, your attic and basement may have problems such as leaks, drafts, or pests looking for shelter from the cold. Inspect these places for evidence of moisture, mold, or pests, and take action to resolve any issues. Ensure that your home has appropriate insulation to keep it comfortable and energy-efficient.
Seal holes or cracks in your attic or basement to avoid heat loss and bug infestation.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
- Have the water heater, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) and gas fireplaces professionally inspected.
- Replace the furnace filters.
- Check to make sure fire extinguishers are pressurized.
- Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords throughout the house.
- Check and replenish first-aid and disaster kits.
- Replace the batteries in all carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
- Have the septic tank serviced?
If snow is given where you live, and you’re lacking supplies, take advantage of seasonal sales now to ensure you’re not rushing to the hardware store at the last minute — only to find out they just sold out of ice melt.
If you have a snow blower, be sure to have it serviced and fueled up before the first winter storm arrives — and with it, price hikes on all the snow stuff.
The last thing you need is a winter storm, losing the wrath of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof for excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding.
Keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from the house. Plus, it’s easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen. (If it’s an evergreen, well, sorry about that. It’ll be a prickly job, but the bonus is you’ll have holiday greenery!)
Conclusion
Completing this ultimate fall home maintenance checklist will prepare you for the next winter months. Doing these things now will help you prevent costly repairs, keep your house comfortable, and enjoy a safe and peaceful winter. Remember, preventative maintenance is the key to a safe and energy-efficient house.
