As a homeowner, you know that upkeep is the best way to prevent issues in the future. Now that fall weather has finally arrived, what fall home maintenance should you consider performing this year?
Prepare Your Mower For Winter Storage
Check your mower for wear and tear, empty the gas tank (or fill it with a fuel stabilizer), and sharpen the blades so they are ready for spring!
Check For Drafts
Check the obvious spots like around windows and doors. If you discover a draft, try to seal any openings. A spot most people forget to check? Around power outlets!
Replace All Batteries
Put new batteries in your carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, and flashlights. If you have a programmable thermostat you may also need to replace the battery there as well.
Check The Furnace
Be sure to check the air filter and replace if needed. Consider having an HVAC professional do an inspection to ensure the furnace is running at top speed and check to see if any carbon monoxide is being emitted from the unit.
Prepare Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is a window unit now is the time to take it out, give it a good cleaning, and put it into storage. If you have a heavy permanent outside air conditioner, consider purchasing a cover for the unit to protect it from winter weather.
Check The Roof
If you can, hop up on the roof to look for loose shingles and debris so that an issue can be fixed before winter weather hits and makes it worse. Remember, if a leak happens in winter, snow or rain could begin to leak into your home, only to freeze overnight. When water freezes it expands, making the entry point even larger. What was once a small issue can become quite large very quickly.
Clean The Gutters
While you’re up on the roof make sure that your gutters are cleaned out and unblocked so that any melting snow or ice has an easy path off of the roof!
Check Your Fireplace And Chimney
If you have a fireplace, either wood burning or gas, be sure to check the entire structure so that there are no surprises when you turn it on for the first time during the cold weather.
If you do this basic fall maintenance then you will be sure to prevent possible serious issues throughout this wonderful season! Sit back, relax, and enjoy some hot cider or cocoa. You deserve it.
