Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Now’s the time to prepare your home for the changing seasons. Here are a few helpful fall maintenance tips.

Clean your gutters. Clear out any leaves and twigs to prevent them from damaging your gutters. Repair sagging gutters and fix or replace missing or loose downspout brackets or any other damaged pieces.
Clean your chimney. Hire a professional to clean your chimney and remove dangerous creosote.
Weatherproof your doors and windows. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around your windows and doors.
Check your HVAC. Hire a qualified professional to inspect your HVAC system every year. The inspector will specifically check for any safety issues and address maintenance concerns.
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should check these throughout the year. However, regular checks are especially important during the cooler months when the windows are usually closed and the air is drier.
Protect your floors. Elements brought in from outdoors can quickly damage your floors. Place floor mats both inside and outside at every entrance. Store wet shoes in a waterproof tray at your entryways.
Reverse ceiling fans. Switch fans to turn clockwise during cooler months. This can save money on utilities as it prevents warm air from being trapped at the ceiling level.
Treat your lawn. Mowing and fertilizing your lawn now can help ensure a lush, green yard in the spring.
Check for overhanging branches. Trim limbs hanging over your house to prevent damage during high winds and storms.