Fall is here and it’s time to start preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Check out these Fall Home Maintenance Tips to get you started and save money on future repairs.
Clean Gutters
Before you know it, your gutters can be filled with leaves. You need to clean your gutters or you risk water damage to your roof or foundation when your gutters overflow. If you do this only once during the season, make sure to do it after all the leaves have fallen.
Clean Chimney
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected. Buildup could lead to a chimney fire. If you make fires regularly, your chimney should be inspected once a year.
Seal Windows & Doors
You will want to seal any gaps around your home’s doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping during the winter.
Trim Trees
Snow, ice and wind can put pressure on tree limbs. If you have any limbs dangling over your roof, you will want to remove them.
Mow Leaves
Instead of raking the leaves, allow the leaves to lay on your grass and mow up the leaves after all the leaves have fallen. This will add mulch to your lawn and keep it healthy throughout the winter.
Service Your Heating System
Make an appointment to have your furnace, heat pump, etc. serviced so that it’s in good working order when cold weather arrives.
Seal Your Driveway
Fall is a great time to seal your driveway as snow and ice can be really hard on it, especially if you have an cracks where it can pack in. Its best to do it before the leaves start falling so they don’t get stuck in your sealant.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Reverse the direction that your ceiling fan turns so that the hot air that rises is being pushed back down. This will keep your heating bills lower.
Cover Air Conditioners
Weather it’s a window unit or central unit, it’s a good idea to cover the unit for the colder months. This will help keep leaves and debris out of it. It you have a heat pump, you’ll need to leave that uncovered.
Clear the Deck
Clear off the deck and cover your furniture. Make sure to keep leaves swept off regularly to prevent damage when they decompose.