Fall is officially here and a break in the heat may finally be in sight. That cooler weather also means it’s time to start preparing your home for winter. There’s really no better time than now to take a look around your home and get prepared for the cold season. Before the temps drop, a little home maintenance can help ease the burden when it gets cold. Doing things like clearing your gutters and trim of debris is a lot more enjoyable when it’s not freezing out. Pro tip: As you work through this list be sure not to create more work for yourself. For example, we recommend you start by clearing gutters and trim, then treat your driveway, walkways, and sidewalks to a thorough cleaning. It’s necessary to prepare for the winter months now to prevent expensive damage later. While not a comprehensive list, below are the fall home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.
- Gutters and Downspouts
- Clean gutters and downspouts often throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris.
- Neglected gutters will cause wood rot issues and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters.
- Be sure water isn’t coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are firmly in place.
- Make sure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling will cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
- Walkways, Driveways, and Sidewalks
- Pressure wash any concrete surfaces around your property to prevent slippery moss from growing and to give everything a nice shine.
- Stock up on Sand and/or your favorite ice melt before the first freeze.
- Windows and Doors
- Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors.
- Inspect and repair any loose or broken window or door frames.
- Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
- Heating Systems
- Replace the filter in your furnace.
- Think about having a heating professional check your furnace to ensure optimum performance and discover minor issues before they turn into costly major repairs.
- Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to cut back household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.
- Plumbing
- To stop pipes freezing and bursting, make sure that the pipes are well insulated.
- Know how to locate and switch off the water shut-off valve just in case pipes do freeze.
- Chimney and Fireplace
- Call an expert to examine and clean your chimney.
- Fireplaces that are frequently used throughout the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires.
- Test your fire flue for a good seal when closed.
- Attic Ventilation
- Make sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents within the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
- Make certain ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
- Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.
- Landscape and Yard Work
- Though grass seems to stop growing in the fall, the roots are literally growing deeper to prepare for winter.
- Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
- Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth.
- Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. serious snow and ice will cause damage in the winter.
By following these fall home maintenance tips you can avoid costly and unexpected repairs. No one wants to be on the receiving end of a costly bill and these tips will help you be better prepared. Whether this is your first home or you’re a seasoned pro, simple steps can make a big difference in the value of your property. It may not be glamorous, but a little fall home maintenance can save you you lots of heartache later. Staying on top of the little things throughout the year can pay dividends in the long term. After all, your home is your family’s biggest asset, shouldn’t you protect it?
SCHEDULE AN HVAC SYSTEM INSPECTION TODAY!
Find out if your heating and air conditioning system is ready for the winter before it’s too late. American Mechanical offers dependable HVAC inspections, service and repair, thermal imaging, and maintenance services throughout Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties in Kansas and Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties in Missouri.
For more fall home maintenance tips, give us a call!
