Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
The crisp air and vibrant colors signal the arrival of fall. Fall is the perfect time for important home maintenance. Preparing your home for the colder months can prevent costly repairs and ensure a warm, comfortable winter. Taking care of these tasks now helps protect your home and keeps you comfortable all winter.
Securing Your Home’s Exterior
Before the first frost hits, it’s vital to address the outside of your home. Your roof is the first line of defense against winter weather. Inspect it for loose or missing shingles. A small repair now can prevent a major leak later. While you’re at it, clean your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, leading to ice dams and damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Be sure downspouts extend far enough to direct water away from your foundation.
Next, turn your attention to your windows and doors. Check for drafts by holding a lit candle or tissue near window and door frames on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the tissue moves, you have a draft. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This small step can make a big difference in your heating bills. Lastly, be sure to store your outdoor furniture and grills. Give them a good cleaning and cover or store them in a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.
Preparing for a Warm and Efficient Winter
With the exterior secured, it’s time to focus on the inside of your home. A top priority should be your heating system. Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to ensure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. A technician can spot issues before they turn into costly repairs. Also, don’t forget to change your furnace filter. A clean filter improves air quality and helps the system run more efficiently.
Chimney and fireplace maintenance is another critical task. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean it. Creosote buildup can be a fire hazard, and a professional can ensure your chimney is in good working order.
Finally, think about your plumbing. Disconnect all garden hoses and turn off the water to exterior spigots. Drain any remaining water from the lines to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. If you live in a colder climate, it’s also wise to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, or garages. A little insulation can save you from a huge headache and expensive water damage.
Taking a few weekends to work through this checklist will set you up for a peaceful winter, free from the stress of unexpected home repairs. By being proactive, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring a comfortable, cozy season for your family.
House Whisperer Inspections and Construction LLC provides home inspections in the Greater Finger Lakes area, including Cayuga, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties. Contact us today to schedule our services.