Summer is quickly coming to a close and before you know it, fall will be here. We’ve posted before about winter maintenance around your home, but what are some autumn maintenance tasks you can take care of around your home now?
Outside your Home
Caulking
When is the last time you checked the caulking around your doors and windows? Make sure to check for any deterioration or area where the cold outdoors can creep in. This will help keep your home warmer and your gas bill lower. It also helps keep water out which thaws and freezes during the cold months. This causes cracking and can lead to mold damage.
Roof Repairs
While you’re up checking your gutters, you should also check your roof and see if there are any missing shingles. Fall is the perfect time to have it done before the cold winter weather comes. Having a repaired room helps prevent damage from ice and snow, and keeps your home better insulated.
Empty your Garden Hose
Make sure you empty your garden hose and have your sprinkler system blown out, if necessary. You don’t want leftover water to freeze and cause massive damage.
Pool
Your pool is just as important to take care of in the fall as it is in the summer. You want to make sure you water chemistry is balanced and your equipment is stored correctly. Cover your pool and make sure your plumbing is ready for the cold weather.
Deck & Porch
More than likely you’ve spent most of your summer on your deck or patio. But before it’s covered under all that snow, make sure to check the railings and steps. Are they loose? Do boards need to be replaced? They’ll need to be sturdy even in the winter in the event someone slips and falls on the ice or snow. Clean and store your outdoor furniture to keep it lasting longer for summers to come. And bring in any plants to prevent pots from cracking and breaking all over your yard.
Inside your Home
Replace your Furnace Filter
Replacing your air filter helps keep your HVAC system running at it’s best and helps keep your quality of air within your home. If you have pets in your home, you’ll want to change your filters slightly more often as fur and other debris builds up quicker.
Dryer Lint
Not only should you clean out your dryer lint between drying cycles, but once or twice a year you want to check the duct and space under and behind the dryer. Believe it or not, lint also builds up and collects in these spots as well. If you don’t check and clean them, they can block the air flow and put your home at risk of a fire.
Seal your space
If you notice drafty air coming in through your windows, they may not be properly sealed. You can buy special plastic wrap at your local hardware store and seal your windows from the inside. This is especially true for older homes.
Heating Inspection
You should have your furnace cleaned an inspected once a year by a licensed specialist. Keep in mind the wording in the service will vary on what the inspector looks at, so make sure you go through it thoroughly. Having your furnace inspected and clean will keep it running longer and your home warmer. Many times, language in the warranties will note that damage to the unites by improper maintenance isn’t covered.
Drain your hot water heater
If you live in an area with hard water this is really important. Over time, minerals and extra sediment builds up in your water tank. If rust starts to develop you will notice a brown or red tint to the water. If this starts to happen you may need to replace your water heater, and this can be a costly expense.
It may seem like a lot of work to get ready for winter, but once everything is done and taken care of, you will be so grateful you did it all when summer rolls around again.