Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Home Cozy & In Tip-Top Shape!
Hey there, homeowners!
Fall is here, and while we’re all excited for bonfires, pumpkin spice lattes, and cozy sweaters, it's also the perfect time to check in on your home’s maintenance. Whether you just bought your dream home or you’ve been in your place for a while, a little seasonal TLC can go a long way in saving you from bigger problems down the road.
So, let’s dive into the ultimate Fall checklist to make sure your home is ready for the cooler months ahead!
1. Clean Your Gutters
Once the leaves start to fall, so do the pine needles, twigs, and debris into your gutters. This might not be the most glamorous task, but clogged gutters can lead to water damage, leaks, and even foundation issues.
Tip: Clean out your gutters and downspouts, and make sure water flows freely. Consider adding gutter guards if you haven’t yet!
2. Check Your Roof
Winter weather can be tough on roofs, so catch any issues early! Fall is the ideal time to give your roof a once-over and fix any problems.
What to look for: Missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or cracks. If climbing ladders isn’t your thing, call a professional for an inspection.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Drafty doors and windows can make your heating bill skyrocket. Take a walk around your home to check for any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air—or worse, critters!
Quick fix: Apply caulk to seal cracks, add weather stripping, and install door sweeps to block any chilly drafts.
4. Service Your HVAC System
Nobody wants their heating to fail when it’s freezing outside! Fall is a great time to get your furnace or heat pump serviced.
DIY: Change your air filters to ensure your system runs efficiently.
Call in the pros: Have a professional inspect and service your heating system to make sure it's running smoothly for the colder months.
5. Inspect Your Fireplace & Chimney
If you have a fireplace, now’s the time to clean out last year’s ashes and ensure your chimney is ready for those cozy fireside nights.
Tip: Hire a chimney sweep to clean out soot, check for blockages, and make sure everything is safe and functional.
6. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With the heater running and possibly a fire in the fireplace, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home’s safety devices are working.
Quick check: Test both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace any batteries if needed.
7. Drain & Store Garden Hoses
Before the first freeze, disconnect your garden hoses, drain them, and store them inside. Water left in hoses can freeze, expand, and cause damage to both the hose and your outdoor faucet.
Extra tip: Shut off water to exterior faucets if you have a separate valve for them, and cover the faucets with insulated covers to prevent freezing.
8. Rake Those Leaves!
Sure, the changing leaves are beautiful, but letting them pile up can lead to soggy messes, clogged gutters, and dead spots in your lawn.
Tip: Rake regularly and compost or bag your leaves. Your lawn will thank you in the Spring!
9. Check for Exterior Paint Touch-Ups
Take a good look at your home’s exterior. If you notice peeling or fading paint, now’s the perfect time to do some touch-ups. A fresh coat of paint before winter helps protect your home’s surfaces from the harsh weather ahead.
10. Prepare Your Lawn for Winter
Fall is a great time to feed your lawn and protect it through the colder months.
To-do: Aerate, fertilize, and reseed your lawn. Also, give your shrubs and trees a good pruning to keep them healthy through the winter.
BONUS TIP: Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Lint can build up in your dryer vent over time, which can become a fire hazard. Fall is the perfect time to clean out the lint from the vent and the trap to keep things running safely and smoothly.
Wrapping It Up
Tackling these fall maintenance tasks will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home feeling cozy all season long. It might seem like a lot, but a weekend or two of work now will make a huge difference later on. Plus, you’ll feel so accomplished once you check everything off!
If you need recommendations for local service providers—whether it’s an HVAC specialist, roofer, or even a chimney sweep—feel free to reach out. We are always here to help, and happy to make sure your home is in top-notch shape for the Fall and Winter.
Stay warm, stay cozy, and as always, enjoy your home!
Warm wishes, GRIGSBY GROUP, Your Favorite Realtors in East Tennessee
Hope this helps keep you and your home happy this fall!
If you have any questions or need some assistance, just us a shout. :-)
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