HELLO FALL!

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cool, and pumpkins are spotted everywhere! But even with all the fall fun, there’s still some work to be done. Follow these home maintenance tips to get your house ready for the season and into the winter.

Inside:

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. Seal any drafts by weather-stripping. Use materials like vinyl, silicone or metal instead of felt or foam, which aren’t as durable.
Caulk anywhere you can’t use weather-strips (where materials meet—foundation and wall, openings where ducting, plumbing, and electrical cables pass through, etc.).
Have your furnace serviced before winter and be sure to change out the filter for improved efficiency.
Check your fireplace. Make sure the damper opens and closes, ensure no wildlife or debris have made it into the flue, and check the firebox for missing bricks or cracked mortar.
Change Safety Devices. Fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working. Check batteries and expiration dates – smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years, and CO detectors last for about six years.

Outside:

Clean out those gutters! You can even install gutter guards to prevent leaves from clogging them up.
Touch up exterior paint before it gets too cold. Paint can’t dry properly if it’s below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aerate your lawn. This is a process of poking holes in the grass to let it “breathe,” allowing water and nutrients to enter. Do this in the fall while the ground is still warm to prevent patches and reduce puddles by the time spring rolls around.
Winterize your sprinkler system to prevent pipes from bursting. Close shut off valves and open the faucet to drain water from the line.
Store Outdoor Furniture. It’s time to put away any chairs, tables, other furniture and accessories you’ve been enjoying all summer. Cover and store properly so they don’t get ruined.

As you wrap up your seasonal home maintenance, don’t forget to pause and enjoy the beauty of fall. 🍂