Fall is approaching, so it’s time to start preparing your home for the new season. We’ve put together a useful Fall Home Maintenance checklist that you can download for free and use instantly. This checklist includes all the important tasks to prepare your home for the new season. Now is the time to start planning your fall home maintenance.
Fall Home Maintenance
Heater Inspected
As the temperatures drop, it’s important to make sure that your heater is in top condition to keep you warm during the cold winter months. Getting your heater serviced and inspected in the fall will help ensure that it’s in perfect working order and ready to tackle the upcoming winter weather.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Clear out your dryer vent regularly to avoid the risk of a fire. Lint buildup can block the vent, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. If you use your dryer often, aim to clean it every 6 to 9 months. If it’s been a while since the last cleaning, now is a good time to take care of it. It’s best to call in a professional to handle the cleaning of your dryer vent.
Turn the Outdoor Faucet Off
With the arrival of colder Fall weather, it’s important to remember to shut off your outdoor faucets. Be sure to do this before freezing temperatures set in. Failing to take this simple step could result in frozen pipes and faucets, which could lead to costly water damage and repairs down the line. By being proactive and shutting off your outdoor faucets, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
Gutters
Fall is an ideal time to tackle gutter cleaning. Check the downspouts for potential blockages and arrange for repairs if necessary. If your gutters are sagging, you should also have them repaired in the Fall. It’s best to get your gutters cleaned early before the temperatures drop below freezing.
Sprinkler System
It’s a good idea to call the sprinkler company during the fall to schedule a visit for draining, winterizing, and shutting off the sprinkler system. It’s important to do this before the arrival of freezing temperatures. It’s also a good time to have the sprinkler heads inspected, and any issues that are found should be taken care of right away.
Inspect Trees
Inspect the trees in your yard for overhanging branches growing on or over your roof. If you notice any branches encroaching on your roof space, it’s important to have them trimmed to prevent potential damage to your roof and home.
Exterior Caulking
Check all the exterior caulking around the window frames, door frames, corner boards, and joints. Examine each area closely to ensure that the caulking is intact and watertight.
If you find any areas where the caulking is deteriorating or compromised, it is important to re-caulk them to maintain their watertightness. You should do this inspection and any necessary re-caulking in the Fall before the freezing winter temperatures arrive.
Smoke Detector
Remember to test your smoke detector. If it has been half a year since you last swapped out the batteries, it’s time to replace them. Make sure you change your smoke detector every 10 years to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Weather Stripping Exterior Doors
During the fall season, it’s a good idea to weather strip exterior doors in order to minimize heat loss. By sealing any gaps or cracks in the door frames with weather-stripping material, you can prevent cold drafts from entering your home and reduce your energy costs. Do this before the freezing winter temperatures set in.
Water Leaks in the Basement and Attic
Fall is a good time to check your basement and attic for water damage. Look for any visible signs of water damage, such as water stains, puddles, or active leaks. These indicators could suggest water seepage, pipe leaks, or other plumbing issues. You need to get any leaks repaired as soon as possible.
Trip out and Reset GFCI Outlets
Make sure to inspect and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. This is an important safety measure to ensure that the outlets are working properly and can help prevent electrical hazards.
Check the Lamp Cords, Extension cords, and Plugs
Fall is a good time to inspect lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs for any signs of damage, such as fraying or scorch marks. If you notice any damage or scorching, it’s best to replace the cords or plugs right away to prevent any electrical fire hazards. Keeping an eye out for damaged cords and dealing with them promptly can help keep your home safe.
Check Bathroom Grouts
Don’t forget to check all the joints in the bathroom tiles to make sure there aren’t any cracks or damage. Take a look at the grout and caulk to ensure they’re in good shape and watertight. This is important to avoid leaks that can lead to damage. If needed, reseal any areas that look worn or damaged.
Check for Any Faucet Leaks
Fall is a good time to inspect all the faucets, traps, and valves in your home. Look for any signs of leaks or damage and make sure to have any issues repaired before winter arrives. This maintenance will help prevent larger problems from developing during the colder months.
Change HVAC Filter
Fall is a good time to swap out your HVAC filter. You need to change the filter every three months to maintain good air quality, particularly if you suffer from allergies. This is a relatively simple job that you can handle yourself without needing to hire a professional.
If your HVAC filter has a high MERV rating, it’s better to change it more often, perhaps even every 30 days. Personally, I suggest signing up for an HVAC filter subscription so that you receive a convenient reminder to swap out your filter on time. Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Roof
It’s a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to make sure that it is in top condition. You can start by carefully walking around your home and visually inspecting the roof for any signs of wear and tear, including loose, cracked, or missing shingles, as well as the presence of debris.
If you happen to notice any irregularities or potential issues, call a qualified roofing professional for necessary repairs or maintenance. Check out our article on Is it Time for a New Roof?
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