Autumn is here. This means that the days will be shorter, the air will have a vivid wind, and the leaves will begin to change color. It’s a time of comfort when you cheer on your favorite soccer team, decorate your mantle with your garlands and get in touch with fires. With all the excitement of autumn, there is also a time when we start preparing your home for the changes in the seasons. Be prepared for any seasonal storms that may occur as many indoor and outdoor home tasks should be tackled over these fall months.
To help you get started, we have put together the ultimate autumn home maintenance checklist so that you can make sure your home is in tip shape due to weather changes. Read and read how to complete your home maintenance tasks before autumn turns into winter.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 6 Indoor Tasks
#1: HVAC System
It is important to inspect and repair your heating system before winter begins. You need to check all HVAC vents and air ducts of dust and debris that have accumulated over the summer. Local HVAC companies can help you do routine maintenance and cleaning before the fall season. Routine maintenance helps the heating system function more efficiently and reduces the dust that contributes to household allergies. Make sure you have moved the flammable through the heating system or heating hole. It will help you to make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you reduce energy costs during colder months.
#2: Piping
Get ready for winter by ensuring that the plumbing system is intact and working properly. Check and test the pressure valve on the water heater. To prevent the pipes from freezing, consider having licensed plumber insulation pipes in your basement, garage, or attic spaces. It is recommended to cut and drain the exterior pipes to prevent the pipe from freezing. These include hoses, outdoor faucets and sprinklers. If early seasonal freezes occur, you’ll want to know how to shut off your main water valve.
#3: Window and Door
If your home is in places like Louisville, Kentucky or Cincinnati, Ohio, where winter storms are common, you can replace your summer screen with windows and winter storm screens to prevent storm damage. Check your windows and doors for signs of draft. If necessary, install weather peeling and caulking to protect you from drafting. If your home has storm doors or windows, look for broken glass or cracks that indicate that professional repairs are required. You can also look at unwanted pest screens and schedule pest tests if necessary.
#4: Insulation and ventilation
When completing your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist, double check and make sure your insulation is in good condition. To prevent heat loss, start by sealing cracks in the foundation and walls. Make sure to check the attic and basement. If you notice that the insulation blocks the vents, move the insulation to prevent ice dams. For debris and weeds, check the eaves vents or vents to the eaves and vents to remove these obstructions.
#5: Appliance
Maintenance costs for a regular appliance are an important part of your home maintenance. If you haven’t checked your appliance recently, we recommend adding this task to your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist. Check for leaks to hoses attached to sinks, washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers and tighten them if necessary. If you need repairs, now is the time to schedule them.
When performing appliance maintenance, be aware of potential fire hazards. Incorporate lints in and around the dryer to clean these regularly as they can cause a fire. And if you have a fireplace in your home, or if you regularly light candles across your home, try to remove the risk of a fire like a newspaper.
#6: Safety Gear
An important part of your home maintenance is checking safety devices such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Test the detectors around the house and replace the battery if necessary. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, be sure to install it.
You should also test the fire extinguisher to ensure that the alarm system is functioning properly. In addition to taking these safety measures, review and implement your home evacuation plan. Prepare a home evacuation plan for natural disasters or emergencies.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 7 Outdoor Tasks
#1: Gutter and Downspout
One of the major autumn home maintenance tasks you want to complete is cleaning and inspecting your grooves and downloads. Start by cleaning the leaves and debris. This helps prevent rot, pests and rusty ditches. Check the gutter support bracket to make sure there are no loose ones. You should also double-check that water is not flowing behind the ditch, or that it is not draining or pooling near the foundation or driveway. Other signs of groove problems include curled roofs, distorted flashes, or leaky vents.
#2: Exterior and roof
Before winter, make sure to inspect the exterior of your home, including the roof. This is an important step to ensuring your home is in the right condition to withstand the weather. If you have any signs of peeled paint, this may indicate that the exterior of your home is no longer protected. In that case, consider applying a coat of fresh paint to provide another protective layer.
When examining the roof, be careful of loose shingles and shingles. These are important layers of protecting your home from flood damage during autumn and winter. If you see any of these signs of damage, it is better to repair the roof before it starts leaking during a storm.
#3: Chimney
It is important to have a chimney inspection before starting your fireplace for the fall season. Experts can inspect cracks, signs of damage, and accumulation of soot or creosote, which is a potential fire hazard. Test the flue to make sure the seal is tight. It is recommended to professionally clean the chimney to remove toxins.
#4: Landscaping
If you have grass, fertilize, expand and reorganize as part of your fall home maintenance checklist. You will also want to winterize your sprinkler system yourself or with the help of a local landscaping or lawn care company. Pruning trees and shrubs can help them grow a little before winter starts to get full. If you have large trees near your power line or home, consider trimming a tree service that will help you avoid potential blackouts or potential blackouts or roofs in the event of a severe storm or wind.
#5: Patio Work
It is important to have a tendency to tilt the sidewalk, driveway and front stairs to prevent dangerous walking conditions. If you have railings leading to your home or back deck, make sure they are in good condition and do not show signs of instability or rotten wood. If necessary, repair your railings and decks so they can withstand cold weather. Store summer outdoor furniture to prevent damage before winter rain and snow begins. That way, when spring returns, the furniture will turn into tip top shape.
#6: Preparing the pool
If your home has a pool, there are some important fall home maintenance tasks that you’ll want to check out the checklist. First, consider hiring a professional to help expose your pool to winter and to carry out the maintenance of the associated pool. They can help you decide the correct pool cover and add important chemicals before your pool hibernates for the season. Additionally, store chemicals in a safe place during winter when no pool is in use. If you have a hot tub, autumn is the best time to do maintenance.
#7: Snow equipment
When preparing your home in the fall, make sure your snow gear works well and is easy to find. Shovels, rakes and snow blowings are stored in areas that are not exposed to the elements and are easily accessible in the event of pre-season snowfall.
The most important step in the Fall Home maintenance checklist is to prepare in advance. If you have problems with your home, don’t wait until the last minute or first winter storm. Stay proactive and schedule necessary inspections, cleanings and maintenance as soon as possible.
