Now is the best time to take care of your home
As the weather changes, homeowners face new challenges. Whether your fall weather is still a bit like summer with some rain or suddenly getting really cold, you’ll want to be prepared for the first chilly days! Spend a nice autumn afternoon doing some home maintenance, and you can stay cozy and worry-free during the colder months. Here’s a useful checklist of tasks to complete before you enjoy pumpkin spice and watch football.
Fall Preparations you can make
1, Prune Your Trees and Bushes: During the spring and summer, trees and shrubs grow a lot. This can create risks for your home, such as branches damaging your roof, siding, and gutters. Trim those long branches to reduce hiding spots for wildlife and prevent falling debris.
2, Clean Your Gutters: Leaves and other debris can clog up your gutters, leading to problems like roof damage, foundation issues, and basement flooding. While it may not be the most exciting task, taking the time to clean your gutters can prevent major issues in the future.
3. Prepare Your Seasonal Equipment: As summer lawn care ends and autumn begins, it’s a good time to get your equipment in order. In some areas, you’ll be storing away the lawnmower and getting the snowblower ready. In other regions, make sure your leaf vac is in good working condition.
4. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It’s important to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Shockingly, over 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Use the changing seasons as a reminder to check these devices, and don’t forget to change the batteries in battery-powered detectors.
5. Check Your Home’s Weatherproofing: Make sure the weather stripping around your doors and windows is in good shape. This can help you save money, whether it’s hot or cold in the fall. The Department of Energy says you can save up to 20% on your energy bills each year by preventing drafts. Your local utility might have tips to help you save energy.
6. Inspect Your Home: After you finish your basic checklist, look around your home inside and outside. Take note of any repairs that need to be done now or in the future to keep your property looking great.
Expert Advice for Home Maintenance
Get a Roof Inspection: Your roof is your home’s main protection from the weather. Whether it’s raining, sunny, snowy, or windy, fixing issues like cracks and holes can make your fall and upcoming winter more comfortable indoors. A professional inspection will tell you what needs to be done.
Have Your Fireplace and Chimneys Inspected: With cold nights approaching, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected and have any creosote build-up cleaned. Did you know that over 20,000 fires are caused by chimneys each year? By hiring an experienced chimney sweep, you can ensure that your cozy night by the fireplace doesn’t end in a dangerous fire.
Check Your Furnace, Boiler, or Heating System: Whether you’re turning on the heat now or waiting a few months, having a trusted technician inspect your heating system will save you money and keep your home comfortable all season long.
Weatherproof Your Water Pipes: While the weather is still warm, it’s the right time to ensure your pipes won’t freeze when the first taste of winter arrives. Depending on where your pipes are located, this might be a do-it-yourself task or one that requires professional assistance.
Here is a checklist to keep a record of your home maintenance tasks: Home Maintenance Checklist
Taking care of your home during the changing seasons is essential for a cozy and worry-free living experience. By following the checklist of tasks provided, you can prepare your home for the upcoming fall and winter months. From trimming trees to checking your heating system, these steps will help you maintain a comfortable and safe living environment. Remember, now is the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for whatever weather comes your way, so you can enjoy the season without any concerns!
