Well, fall is definitely here and with the rainy weather comes a little bit more home maintenance. If you are like me, you like to tackle home maintenance projects by the season so here’s a good checklist for tasks and projects to be completed around fall.
Gutters and downspouts.
Now is a good time to clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent the buildup of leaves and other debris. If you don’t get these clean, it could cause pest infestations, ruined gutters, and can lead to wood rot. Make sure that all the water drains clear and clean from your downspouts.
Windows and doors.
Inspect all frames around the doors and windows, repair any damaged windows or frames and install weatherstripping or caulking around the doors and windows to prevent drafts throughout the winter.
Heating systems
Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace, potentially have the furnace or heat pump serviced to ensure it will be working for you throughout the winter and that it’s up to code on its efficiency.
Chimney and fireplaces.
Call a professional to clean and inspect your chimney. If you have a gas fireplace it might be good to have the pilot light or thermal coupler replaced and test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when the damper is closed.
Landscape.
Now is also a good time to fertilize and recede the lawn, prune any trees and shrubs away from the house, sidewalks, and driveways, and trim any trees that are close to power lines. Think heavy snow or a windstorm; if something could come down, where would it go?
Check the attic for gaps.
Seal up any gaps that mice or other pests could use of the entrance to your home for a warmer spot to nest. Fill small holes and cover any larger gaps with heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire.
Stock up on any winter supplies.
If you have a wood stove or wood fireplace now is a good time to stack up on wood, kindling, or items for the winter such as ice melt, and restock any emergency kits for the car in the house.
Store hoses.
Now that we’re getting plenty of rain you probably won’t need to water your yard any longer so it’s time to shut off exterior faucets, cover them, and store the hose is for the winter.
Clean your dryer vent.
Lint buildup and dryer vents can cause fires so now is a good time to clean it out.
