Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is in the air and it's time to prep your home for cooler weather, falling leaves, and cozy nights by the fire. Below are a few essential tips you can do now that will allow you to enjoy the holiday season without any worry!

Inside

• Seal up air leaks (damaged weatherstripping or caulking around doors and windows) - sealing up drafts in your home could save you up to 20% on your heating bill according to the US Department of Energy.

• Schedule a routine heating system inspection especially if you hear noisy belts or noticed poor performance. It's best to schedule early fall and before the colder 'busy' season.

• Replace furnace filters - this will make it easier to regulate the temperature in your home.

• Schedule an inspection and cleaning for your fireplace and chimney. This should be done annually to prevent damages and hazards. Check your damper and confirm there are no damages, blockages, or excess buildup before using your fireplace.

• Check your fire extinguishers, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide detectors. - This should be done twice a year.

• Run a humidifier - Dry air in your home can make wood prone to cracking but it also can be hard on your skin. Running a humidifier can help with both. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly.

• Clean your carpets - Cooler weather brings us inside more often, have your best foot forward as you begin inviting guests and family over for fall festivities.
  

Outside

• Prep your yard for winter - fertilize and winterize grass, trees, and shrubs. Some plants may need to be pruned as well.

• Rake leaves and remove dead summer plants.

• Pressure wash your house, sidewalks, and driveway.

• Clean and stow your lawn mower - if you will not be using the lawn mower to pick up leaves this fall, remove leftover gas and store the mower inside and away from outdoor elements.

• Check and clean gutters. Make sure the downspouts drain away from the foundation. Most gutters need to be cleaned twice a year. - Neglecting them could result in roof leaks, damage to the exterior of your home, or water infiltrating your home.

• Inspect your roof - colder weather can turn a leaky roof into a bigger disaster.

• Protect faucets from freezing temperatures - remove garden hoses, shut off valves connected to outside faucets, drain the line, and install styrofoam faucet covers outside. If you have an irrigation system drain and winterize those as well.

• Repair cracked driveways and sidewalks leading to your front door - look for uneven concrete and cracks more than 1/8 inch wide.

• Touch-up paint - fall weather is the perfect time to repaint stairs, mailboxes, porches, and homes.

As we move from hot summer days to cold fall nights, check these tasks off your list to keep your home looking great this fall and prepared for the winter temperatures to come!

*Before doing any architectural changes such as painting, cutting down trees, repairing driveways, or other architectural modifications please send an ARC request to the board for review. Thank you.