The leaves are starting to change and the air is becoming crisper, and those are your signs that it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming fall season. Fall maintenance is crucial to ensure your home remains cozy and safe during the oncoming colder months. Our friends from BPG Inspections put together a great overview and in this short blog post, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive checklist of exterior and interior tasks to get your home ready for autumn.
Exterior Maintenance
Remove (or cover) window air conditioners: Start by taking out or covering window air conditioners to prevent drafts and heat loss. This simple step can help you save on your heating bills.
Install storm windows/doors, and remove screens: Upgrading to storm windows and doors enhances insulation, keeping your home warmer and more energy-efficient during the fall and winter months.
Aerate and fertilize the lawn: This task promotes healthy grass growth in the spring and keeps your lawn looking lush. It’s best done in the fall when the ground is still warm.
Trim trees and shrubs away from the house: Regular trimming prevents overgrown branches from damaging your home and allows more sunlight to reach your property, improving energy efficiency.
Inspect the roof for damage: Ensure your roof is ready to withstand the elements by checking for damaged or missing shingles, and repair any issues promptly.
Cover or store outdoor furniture and grill: Protect your outdoor furniture and grill from the elements by covering them or storing them in a shed or garage.
Winterize outside faucets: Prevent frozen pipes by shutting off and draining outdoor faucets. Use faucet covers to insulate them further.
Clean out gutters and downspouts: Clearing your gutters of leaves and debris ensures proper water flow and prevents ice dams, which can damage your roof and walls.
Disconnect the garden hose from the outside faucet: Freezing temperatures can cause hoses to burst, potentially leading to water damage. Disconnect and store hoses before the first frost.
Interior Maintenance
Replace caulking around windows and doors: Fresh caulking helps keep the cold air out and the warm air in, improving energy efficiency.
Inspect and replace your HVAC filter: Regularly changing your HVAC filter (monthly is recommended) ensures clean, efficient airflow and can extend the life of your system.
Schedule a furnace inspection: A professional inspection ensures your furnace is in top shape, providing reliable heat throughout the fall and winter.
Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned: For those with fireplaces or wood stoves, this is a critical safety measure to prevent chimney fires.
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and filter: Grease buildup in the kitchen exhaust can pose a fire hazard. Clean the hood and replace the filter as needed.
Test the sump pump: If you have a sump pump in your basement, ensure it’s working properly to prevent flooding during heavy fall rains.
Clean and activate the humidifier: Preparing your humidifier for the fall season can help maintain indoor comfort levels, especially when the air gets drier.
Reverse ceiling fans to make the blades run clockwise: This helps distribute warm air more evenly, reducing heating costs.
We know it’s coming every year, and by following this comprehensive fall maintenance checklist, you can be sure your home is ready for the season’s cooler temperatures and potential weather challenges. A little effort now can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of your well-maintained home throughout the fall and beyond.
If you have questions about home maintenance and getting your home in tip-top shape to sell, give us a call: (919) 710-0256 or email info@richrealtygroup.com
