Preparing your property for the change in seasons can help prevent costly repairs, increase energy efficiency, and ensure your home is safe and comfortable throughout the fall and winter.
To make it easier, we have put together a beginning-of-fall checklist to guide you through key steps to maintain your home’s exterior, interior, and yard.
Exterior Maintenance
Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.
Inspect Roof and Chimney: Check for loose shingles or cracks in the chimney and schedule any necessary repairs.
Examine Siding and Paint: Look for peeling paint or damaged siding and make repairs to protect against harsh weather.
Check Doors and Windows: Inspect caulking and weather stripping for air leaks, which can increase heating costs.
Yard and Garden
Trim Trees and Bushes: Cut back any branches that are close to your home or power lines to prevent damage during storms.
Prepare the Lawn: Fertilize, seed, and aerate the lawn for a healthy start next spring.
Clean Up Gardens: Remove dead plants and weeds from your garden beds, and add mulch to protect perennials through the winter.
Drain and Store Garden Hoses: Disconnect hoses, drain them, and store them indoors to prevent freezing and cracking.
Close the Pool: If you have a pool, clean it, balance chemicals, and cover it securely for the winter.
HVAC and Utilities
Service the Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnace or heating system.
Check Air Filters: Replace air filters in your HVAC system to improve efficiency.
Inspect the Water Heater: Test the pressure relief valve, flush the tank, and insulate the unit if necessary.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down during cooler months.
Safety Checks
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and ensure devices are working properly.
Check Fire Extinguishers: Make sure they are fully charged and easily accessible.
Clean Out the Fireplace: Remove old ash, check for blockages, and have the chimney inspected before use.
Stock Emergency Supplies: Ensure your home is prepared with flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and other essentials.
Winter Preparations
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Prepare Snow Removal Tools: Test your snow blower and gather shovels, salt, and ice melt in a convenient location.
Protect Outdoor Furniture: Clean and store outdoor furniture or cover it to protect it from harsh weather.
Financial and Paperwork
Review Home Insurance: Make sure your policy covers any seasonal risks, like flooding or ice damage.
Inspect Property Lines: Double-check that fences and gates are in good condition.
Plan for Holiday Décor: Organize and check outdoor holiday lights and decorations.
This checklist helps homeowners transition their property from summer to fall, ensuring it is safe, secure, and ready for the colder months ahead. Happy Fall!
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