As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A little preventative maintenance this season can save you major headaches (and money!) once winter rolls in. Here’s your go-to fall home checklist to keep your home in tip-top shape:
1. Clear Out Those Gutters
Falling leaves are beautiful — until they clog your gutters. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up, damaging your roof, siding, or foundation.
Tip: Clean gutters and downspouts once most of the leaves have dropped, and make sure water flows freely away from your home.
2. Turn Off and Drain Sprinklers
Before the first freeze, shut off outdoor water lines and drain your sprinkler system to prevent pipes from bursting.
Tip: Don’t forget to disconnect and store garden hoses too!
3. Inspect Your Roof and Chimney
Strong winds and heavy snow can take a toll on your roof. Look for loose or damaged shingles and have your chimney cleaned before using your fireplace.
Tip: Schedule a professional chimney sweep to remove creosote buildup — it’s a leading cause of chimney fires.
4. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can drive up your heating bill. Check for gaps or worn-out weatherstripping and seal them up to keep the warmth in and cold air out.
Bonus: This quick fix can save you up to 20% on energy costs.
5. Service Your Heating System
Have your HVAC or furnace inspected before it gets too cold. Change filters and make sure everything’s running efficiently.
Tip: If you have ceiling fans, reverse their direction to push warm air down.
6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With fireplaces and heaters running, fall is a great time to test all safety devices and replace batteries.
7. Tidy Up the Yard
Rake leaves, trim trees and shrubs, and store outdoor furniture. This helps prevent pests from settling in and keeps your yard neat through the season.
Tip: Use fallen leaves as mulch to protect garden beds.
8. Prepare for Cozy Season
Bring out the warm blankets, change to flannel sheets, and add fall touches to your décor. A cozy home starts with comfort and preparation!
🍂 Final Thought:
A well-maintained home doesn’t just look good — it protects your investment. Take a weekend or two this month to knock out these tasks, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the beauty (and comfort) of fall worry-free.