The leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and it’s about time to bring out our cozy sweaters. But as you keep warm and toasty in preparation for the cold weather, your house might need additional preparations for the winter ahead. Before it’s too cold, here are some must-dos for fall home maintenance as you welcome the new season.
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Our 8 Musts for Fall Home Maintenance
Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or this is your first autumn in your new home, following these tips will help you know what to do.
Tip 1 – Seal Air Leaks
The cold weather means higher heating bills. However, the simple task of sealing air leaks on your doors and windows can help you reduce your heating bill and keep the cold air and moisture out. Go around your house and identify gaps and cracks that allow drafts. You can use a candle and hold it up to windows and doors and see if the flame flickers. If it does, then that means there is a gap there. Just be careful when handling the fire.
Tip 2 – Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters will ensure that rainwater and melting snow can flow from your roof. If rain runoff is trapped in your gutters due to the debris, then it could cause greater issues to your roof. Safely remove leaves, dirt, and any other debris from your gutters. Once the debris is removed, rinse and flush the gutters with a regular garden hose.
Tip 3 – Inspect Your Roof
While cleaning your gutters, be sure to also check the roof itself for any debris like large sticks or any overgrown tree branches that may fall or puncture your roof. Also, examine for damaged or missing shingles to prevent further damage from leaks. With that in mind, if you can’t access your roof to see if there is any damage, you can also check your attic space and see whether the rafters are broken.
Tip 4 – Check Your Furnace
Now is a great time to get your furnaces before the temperatures dip. You should replace the air filters in your furnace to extend your furnace’s life, reduce your energy bill, and improve indoor air quality.
Tip 5 – Examine Your Humidifier
With winter weather comes dry air. The lack of humidity can be harsh on your skin and lungs, and it can cause wooden structures in your house to become susceptible to cracking. If you already have a humidifier, now is a great time to check to make sure it’s ready for the months ahead.
Tip 6 – Remove Garden Hose
Once the roof and gutters are clean, your garden hose can be stored for the season. Removing your garden hose before the cold arrives prevents ice from forming from within the hose and your home’s water line. Because the ice expands, this could cause the hose as well as the pipes inside your house to burst.
Tip 7 – Prune Plants and Trees
Before the winter cold comes, get your plants ready for the harsh weather by pruning them and removing any dead branches or buds. For plants that are prone to the cold, cover them with sheets of burlap or canvas or relocate them.
Tip 8 – Fertilize Your Lawn
Fall is the best and most important time to fertilize your lawn because supporting root growth in the fall makes the lawn healthier and greener in the spring. The fall has morning dew that provides moisture that helps the grass absorb the fertilizer, which helps the grass withstand the harsh winter.
Whether you are a new or experienced homeowner, take time to prepare your home for the coming winter. Even a little maintenance effort for your home will benefit you as you will lower your utility bills and prevent major repair bills down the road.
