Can you feel that crisp chill in the air? Fall is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited! Cozy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything, and beautiful fall foliage—what’s not to love? But while you may be enjoying the cooler temperatures, your home may feel differently. Cold weather can put a strain on different elements of your home, from the roof to your heating system. Don’t wait for problems to arise—stop them before they happen! Use our ultimate home maintenance checklist for fall so your home stays in tip-top shape this season.
Exterior Maintenance
Fall weather is beautiful, but it can also bring about some unique challenges for your home’s exterior. Use these maintenance tips to stay ahead of the game:
Plan to clean:
- Gutters: As the leaves start to fall, your gutters can quickly fill up. Cleaning them out will prevent blockages that could lead to water damage or ice buildup later in the season.
- Yard: Fall is the perfect time to prep your yard for winter. Raking leaves, trimming trees, and aerating your lawn means a healthier yard during the colder months.
Plan to inspect:
- Roof: Take a quick look at your roof for any loose or missing shingles. Fixing those now could save you from leaks or damage if winter storms come in.
- Deck: Inspect your deck for any loose boards, cracks, or water damage. If needed, seal it now to protect against the harsh winter elements.
- Exterior faucets: Before the first frost hits, check your outdoor faucets and drain your hoses, as frozen water can cause pipes to burst and lead to expensive repairs.
Interior Maintenance:
As the days get cooler, you’ll probably be spending more time indoors. Let’s make sure your home is ready to keep you comfy and cozy all season long.
Plan to clean:
- Air vents and filters: Cleaning your air vents and replacing furnace filters will improve air quality and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
- Fireplace: There’s nothing like a warm fire on a chilly fall night. Before lighting it up, clean out the old ash and schedule a chimney inspection to make sure it’s safe and ready for those cozy evenings by the fire.
Plan to inspect:
- Heating system/furnace: Ensure that your furnace is in working order before you’re relying on it to keep your house warm. We recommend having a professional take a look to prevent breakdowns and help extend the life of your system.
- HVAC: In addition to inspecting your heating system, don’t forget to examine your entire HVAC unit. Clean ducts and a system checkup can improve its efficiency, keeping your home warm without spiking your energy bill.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Safety first! Fall means more time indoors with fireplaces, heaters, and cooking, so check your detectors to keep your home safe and sound.
- Window seals: Don’t let the cold sneak in through the cracks. Double-check your window seals to keep warm air in and save on energy costs. A little extra caulking can go a long way!
More Tips to Prepare for the Cooler Season
- Switch to a programmable thermostat: If you’re still manually adjusting your thermostat, now’s the time to make the switch! A programmable thermostat helps you control your home’s temperature (and your energy bills) without even thinking about it. Many can even be controlled by your phone—talk about convenience!
- Weatherstripping: Adding weatherstripping around doors and windows is an easy way to prevent drafts and improve your home’s insulation, ensuring that the warm air stays in and the cold stays out.
- Check insulation: While you’re prepping for winter, take a look at your attic and basement insulation. If it’s lacking, adding more can keep your home much warmer—and give your heating system a break.
Try These Home Maintenance Tips in Your New Home
By following this home maintenance checklist for fall, you’ll keep your home comfortable, efficient, and safe all season long. Plus, taking care of these tasks now can save you from expensive repairs down the road. If another item on your fall checklist is to find a new home in an unbeatable location, then Traditions of Braselton may be the perfect fit. See how Life Is Sweeter Here, from the beautiful home designs and resort-style amenities to the fun local events and tight-knit community. We wish you a happy and safe fall season!