Fall has arrived, which means it’s time to prepare your home for the new season. Home maintenance is an ongoing responsibility and neglecting it can lead to costly repairs in the future. Here are some essential fall home maintenance tasks that you shouldn’t ignore.
Turn the Outdoor Faucet Off
As the weather gets colder in the Fall, don’t forget to turn off your outdoor faucets. It’s really important to do this before the temperatures drop below freezing. If you don’t, you could end up with frozen pipes and faucets, and that could mean a lot of expensive water damage and repairs later on. By taking the simple step of shutting off your outdoor faucets, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
Change HVAC Filter
Don’t forget to switch out your HVAC filter in the fall. It’s important to do this every three months to keep up the air quality in your home, especially if you have allergies. It’s actually a pretty easy task that you can take care of on your own without having to call in a professional. And if your filter has a high MERV rating, you might want to think about changing it even more frequently, like every 30 days.
Heater Inspected
As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to make sure your heater is in top shape to keep you cozy during the chilly winter months. Don’t forget to schedule a service and inspection for your heater in the fall to make sure it’s working perfectly and all set for the upcoming winter season.
Inspect Trees
Remember to take a look at the trees in your yard and see if there are any branches hanging over your roof. If you spot any branches getting too close to your roof, it’s a good idea to have them trimmed to avoid any possible damage to your roof and home.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Don’t forget to keep your dryer vent clear to reduce the risk of a fire. Lint buildup can block the vent and lead to overheating, which can be dangerous. If you use your dryer frequently, try to clean the vent 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 a good idea to bring in a professional to handle the cleaning of your dryer vent.
Smoke Detector
Don’t forget to test your smoke detector regularly. If it’s been about six months since you last changed the batteries, it’s a good idea to put in new ones. Also, remember to replace your smoke detector every 10 years to ensure it’s working well.
Inspect GFCI Outlets
Don’t forget to check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. It’s really important for safety to make sure these outlets are working properly. It can help prevent electrical trouble in the future.
Check Bathroom Grouts
Inspect all the joints in your bathroom tiles to ensure there are no cracks or damage. Take a good look at the grout and caulk to make sure they’re in good shape and watertight. It’s really important to do this to prevent any leaks that could cause damage. If you spot any areas that look worn or damaged, you should reseal them.
Roof
It’s always a good idea to take a close look at your roof every now and then to make sure it’s in great shape. Start by taking a walk around your home and give your roof a good once-over. Look for any loose, cracked, or missing shingles, and clear away any debris you find. If you spot anything that looks off, it’s best to get in touch with a reliable roofing professional to take care of any repairs or maintenance. Check out 8 Signs You Need a New Roof
Gutters
Fall is the perfect time to take care of your gutters. Make sure to check for any blockages in the downspouts and arrange for repairs if needed. If your gutters are sagging, it’s a good idea to get them fixed in the fall. It’s best to tackle gutter cleaning early before the temperatures start to drop below freezing. Check out Budget Home Renovations to Make Your Home Look Expensive
Sprinkler System
Don’t forget to give the sprinkler company a call in the fall to schedule a visit for draining, winterizing, and shutting off the sprinkler system. It’s super important to do this before freezing temperatures kick in. This is also a great time to have the sprinkler heads checked, and if there are any issues, it’s best to take care of them right away. Check out Don’t Let These 14 Things Lower Your Home Value
Exterior Caulking
Don’t forget to take a look at all the caulking around your windows, doors, and corners. Make sure everything looks good and watertight. If you notice any areas where the caulking is wearing out, it’s a good idea to touch them up to keep everything nice and dry. It’s best to do this check and any touch-ups in the Fall before winter sets in. Check out 9 Housing Expenses that are Slowly Crushing Homeowners