Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about your home’s maintenance needs ahead of winter. As temperatures drop, ensure your house is cozy, warm, and ready for cooler weather. Here are a few simple and effective home maintenance tips to prepare your property for fall.
Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
1. Inspect the Heating System
During fall and winter, you will use the heating system more frequently, so verify it is in good condition before the cold weather hits. Check your HVAC system’s air filters and have the heating system serviced by a professional if necessary. A properly functioning furnace is more energy-efficient and less likely to fail when you need it most.
2. Clean the Gutters
Your gutters funnel rainwater away from your home, preventing moisture damage and flooding, but they can quickly become clogged with fallen leaves. Because of this, clearing your gutters early in the season is essential. Leaves, twigs, and other debris in the gutters cause water to overflow and damage the roofing, siding, and foundation. Regularly cleaning the gutters is a great way to prevent damage and safeguard your home’s structural integrity.
3. Check the Insulation
Fall is the perfect time to check your home’s insulation to ensure it is in good condition and sufficient for the climate. Proper insulation keeps the house warm during the cooler months and reduces energy consumption. Insulation in the attic is particularly important because it helps prevent heat loss through the roof. If you notice your home’s insulation is deficient, add more or contact a professional for the job.
4. Fall Home Maintenance: Seal Doors and Windows
Properly sealed doors and windows keep the home warm and cozy during fall and winter. Check the weather-stripping around windows and doors for gaps, cracks, and drafty spots, and seal these areas. These small steps will help lower your energy bill and maintain your house’s temperature every season.
5. Test Smoke Detectors and CO Alarms
Fall is a great time to confirm your home’s smoke alarms and CO detectors function correctly. Change the batteries in the devices and test them monthly to verify that they’re working as intended.
Following the above maintenance tips will give you peace of mind that your home is in good shape and ready to withstand the cooler months ahead. This list is a good starting point for homeowners looking to prepare their property, maintain their investment, and prevent costly damage and future repairs.
Realistic Home Inspection Services provides inspection services to customers in the greater Milwaukee area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.