While you may be looking forward to pumpkin spice lattes and sweater weather, you should also be looking forward to preparing your home for the cold climate. Fall home maintenance ensures that your home remains safe and comfortable during the chilly New England climate. In this blog post, we'll provide a list of our top five fall home maintenance tips to help you get your home ready for the wintry weather.
1. Clean & Inspect Your Gutters.
Fall = falling leaves, and your gutters and downspouts can quickly become clogged. Clear both of debris to prevent water from overflowing and damaging your roof and foundation. Ensure that downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation to prevent water infiltration as well.
2. Check for Drafts.
Seal any gaps and cracks around your windows and doors to prevent cold drafts from entering your home. Proper insulation will not only keep your house warm but also reduce your heating bills. Consider adding weatherstripping or using caulk to seal gaps.
3. Fix Cracks in Your Driveway.
We know — this task seems tedious, but it could easily turn into an expensive headache. When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually the concrete can crumble. So, use concrete crack sealer to fill up cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps.
4. HVAC System Maintenance.
Before the cold weather sets in, have your heating system serviced by a professional technician. This will ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Change the air filter to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
Fall is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Once you replace the batteries, test each unit to ensure they're functioning correctly. Your family's safety depends on these devices, so don't overlook this step.
Preparing your home now is an easy way to ensure a safe and sound fall and winter season. These fall home maintenance tips will not only keep your home cozy, but will also save you money on energy bills as well as prevent costly repairs. By dedicating a bit of time to these tasks now, you can enjoy the beauty of the New England fall and winter without worrying about your home's condition.
