Fall home maintenance is vital to combat snowfall, brisk winds, and icy conditions, and keep your home in tip-top condition. As we say goodbye to the summer and begin to welcome in fall, many people start to prepare their homes for the colder months. From fluffy plaid throws and log fires to cute pumpkin decor, the fall season epitomizes cozy home vibes. Preparing your home for seasonal changes doesn’t only involve making it a comfortable retreat from the cold. The end of summer also ushers in the need to prepare your home for harsh weather changes.
Here are some useful tips to help ensure your house is ready for the colder months.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof takes the brunt of the harsh winter weather. From gale-force winds to heavy rainfall, it’s crucial that your roof can stand up to the colder months. Early fall is the perfect time to inspect your roof and see if there are any problems to fix. Look out for damaged and missing tiles, cracks, leaves, and debris. If you find any issues, be sure to repair them promptly — and don’t forget to clean your roof and gutters.
Program Your Thermostat
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, now could be the time to purchase one! Programmable thermostats can help reduce your utility bills by lowering the temperature when you’re not home, and automatically kicking your thermostat into gear an hour before you wake up.
Check Your Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are prime locations to let in cold winter drafts. To avoid your thermostat working overtime and make your home as energy-efficient as possible, you should locate any potential drafts and fix them accordingly. If the draft is small, for example, at the bottom of your exterior door, a simple draught excluder could make a world of difference.
Get On Top of Your Landscaping
Trees, bushes, and shrubs grow a lot during the summer months. If your trees have experienced a growth spurt, it’s crucial to trim them back to keep your roof (and powerlines) safe. In certain instances, some home maintenance jobs should be reserved for a professional. If you’re not confident, or your trees are particularly challenging, call an arborist for help.
Prepare for Power Outages
Autumn and winter weather can bring power outages — especially if your power lines are above ground. Prepare now by investing in a good idea emergency generator to help you through the colder season. If you already have a generator, make sure that it’s running correctly, and you have everything you need in the event of an emergency.
Check Your Water Drainage
Autumn weather brings lots of rain and lots of fallen leaves. A build-up of leaves in your downspouts can cause big problems for your water drainage. Before the heavy rain comes, you should ensure that your downspouts are clear of excess leaves and other obstructions. You should also observe your downspouts when it rains to confirm that they are directing water away from your house foundations. Even small drainage issues can turn into a big expense if left unchecked.
Install Storm Windows and Doors
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, early fall is the time to remove summer screens and install your storm windows and doors. In addition to keeping your windows safe, storm windows also help to insulate your home better, making it more energy-efficient — this can be a huge selling point if you decide to list your home in the future.
Winterize Your HVAC Unit
As part of your fall home maintenance, it’s crucial that you have your AC unit serviced at least once yearly. Winterizing your HVAC unit helps protect it from rust damage and keeps small animals from making a home inside mechanical parts. After removing dirt and leaves from your outdoor unit, cover it with a waterproof air conditioner cover to help protect it from frost and falling debris.
