6 Must-Do Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
Fall is here and winter is fast approaching. Enjoy the crisp temperatures and colorful leaves while you get your home in gear with these essential fall tasks. These items will not only guard your home against cold-weather threats, but also make maintenance much easier for you next spring.
Fix the Flow
Leaves and other debris can quickly accumulate in your gutters and prevent proper drainage which could lead to other problems when winter finally arrives. Remove all visible buildup and flush the gutter with a garden hose to check the flow.
Drain the Faucets
Turn off your outside faucets and in-ground irrigation systems to prevent them from freezing and bursting when the temperature drops. Close any shut-off valves and open outside faucets to drain the lines completely to prevent them from being harmed by the harsh winter weather.
Find the Fire Extinguishers
This is the time of year for candles, cooking and gathering around the fireplace. All of these seasonal flames can quickly lead to accidents. Make sure you inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure they’re accessible and in working order and review their proper use.
Check the Batteries
It’s recommended to test your smoke detectors once a month and replace batteries every six months. Be sure to add this task to your fall and spring checklist when changing your clocks.
Fiddle with the Furnace
Inspect your furnace now before the frigid winter temperatures arrive so that you can take care of any problems before you really need the heat. You should be changing the furnace filter every few months, as well as checking the pilot light and thermostat, and opening heating vents to make sure everything is working safely and efficiently.
Cover the AC
Clean the filter and remove any debris on your air conditioner so the unit will be ready for spring. Look around for any visible damage before wrapping it with an approved cover. If you have any window units, take them out and store them so you don’t let any cold air in through the holes.