Eight Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Depending on where you live, the fall season can bring cooler temperatures and changing leaves. This is also the time when homeowners can get their homes ready for winter and take on general home maintenance tasks. Here is our fall maintenance checklist:
Clean and inspect your fireplace
Nothing says cozy like a glowing fireplace. Your gas fireplace should be inspected before you use it for the first time in months. Make sure the fireplace and logs are free of dust and check the flue damper to ensure it opens fully. Visually check the chimney cap from ground level for yard debris and bird nests. Call a professional chimney sweep if you see any concerning issues.
Prepare your heating system
Most HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems can easily be switched from air conditioning to heating, but simple maintenance is required to keep them running in top form. Air filters should be changed every three months. If you have high-shedding pets or allergies, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Dirty air filters not only reduce the air flow to your system, they may eventually cause your compressors to short cycle. Depending on your system, you will either need to clean or replace your filters. Replacement filters can be found at most home improvement stores and are easy to replace yourself.
Protect your pipes
In cold climates, freezing pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. Homes in warmer climates may also be subject to unusual winter freezes, which increases their risk of frozen or cracked pipes. If you live in a snowy region, prep your pipes in late fall. If you live in a warmer climate, follow these steps when a freeze warning is issued. 1. Insulate or wrap any exterior pipes and hose bibs. 2. Turn off and drain down your sprinkler system and disconnect and store hoses. 3. When it gets very cold, open cabinet doors to make sure the pipes below the sink get some heat. 4. Leave faucets dripping, which will he prevent your pipes from freezing. 5. If you are planning to be away, turn off the water at the water meter.
Keep the warm air inside
New homes climatize, adjusting to new temperatures and moisture levels, during the first year after they are built, which can create small gaps in caulking and weather stripping. Each fall, check your windows, doors, and siding for cracks or gaps that could allow cold air inside. Replace the weather stripping or apply fresh caulk to prevent drafts.
Clean your gutters
We all love the beautiful colors of the autumn foliage. However, those leaves can clog your gutters, eaves, and downspouts very quickly. Gutters help direct rain and melted snow away from your house. This is important because it prevents roof rot, ice dams, and water damage. The fall season has always been the prime time to clean your gutters, but you may actually need to clean your gutters more often if you live in a storm-prone region. During high winds, leaves, sticks and other debris can get stuck in your gutters and block water flow. While you are looking up, check your roof for any loose or damaged roof shingles or tiles and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Update for safety
Regularly inspect your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are still functional. Some new smoke alarms have sealed batteries that can last ten years, however the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recommends changing the batteries in older smoke alarms every six months. Even if your system is hardwired, you may have backup batteries to change. The IAFC recommends replacing smoke detectors if they are over 10 years old. Make sure you have working fire extinguishers as well. Dryer exhaust vents should also be professionally inspected and cleaned once per year to prevent fires.
Tend to the yard
If your outdoor furniture is not designed for all weather, put it into storage or cover it before the first winter storm. Homeowners in more moderate climates can often enjoy outdoor furniture year-round, but bringing it under a covered outdoor living area may help you get more years out of it. Fall is also an important time to tend to your landscaping. Most lawns or ground cover plants should be fertilized in the fall to help them build strong roots and survive chilly weather. In certain climates, fall is the time to plant bulbs like daffodils, lilies, and tulips that will produce beautiful blooms in the spring months.
Freshen up with fall decor
Finally, once you’ve taken care of all the fall maintenance tasks, consider giving your home a fresh new look for fall. Bring the outside in with the rich autumn colors and plenty of textural elements. For your entrance, display some colorful mums or other warm-toned plants. Next, in the great room, add decorative throw pillows in cranberry, pumpkin-orange, and sunny yellow hues. Or if you prefer a more neutral look and your décor includes grays and beiges, infuse a sense of warmth with an oatmeal-colored cashmere throw. Consider outfitting your bedroom with flannel sheets and a chunky knit blanket. Don’t forget to accessorize—a basket of pinecones, a wreath, candles or lanterns can easily change the look of a room and put you in a fall mood.
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