Top 7 Fall Home Maintenance Projects

Fall is a stunning season with a lot going on; the days are becoming shorter, the leaves are changing color, temperatures are decreasing, and Halloween and Thanksgiving are coming up fast. It’s also an important season for home maintenance.

We’ve put together a list of home maintenance projects to do during the fall months, regardless of whether you’re a long-time homeowner or this is your first fall with a mortgage.  Here are 7 must-do home maintenance projects for fall.

1. Maintain The Furnace

Furnaces are frequently neglected in the summer, but losing heat in the midst of winter is the worst. The winter chill can be avoided by having your furnace serviced and assessed now. In the long run, a well-maintained furnace saves you money while benefiting the environment. You will spend less on utility services if your furnace is more efficient, so plan a maintenance visit for the upcoming heating season.

2. Increase Insulation And Seal Attic Air Leaks

One of the major contributors to your home's utility costs is poor insulation. Because it is concealed in your attic or between your walls, insulation is frequently disregarded by homeowners. Hot air ascends, so if your attic isn't properly sealed and insulated, you'll probably spend more money heating your house in the winter.

3. Deep Clean Your Carpets

It goes without saying that when you have family and friends over for the holidays, you want your carpets to appear their best. Prepare your carpets now for heavy foot traffic during these festive days. Regular cleaning & vacuuming is important and can help to extend the life of your carpet, but to maintain the freshness, cleanliness, and appearance of your carpet, you’ll want to have your carpets professionally cleaned. Additionally, clean carpets are crucial in order to maintain high indoor air quality and minimize dust. It’s just what you need as you get ready to spend more time inside!

4. Service And Clean Your Fireplace & Chimney (Both Gas And Wood-Burning)

Nothing is more comfortable than curling up in front of a fireplace during the harsh winter months. Provided that they are well-maintained, your fireplace is an affordable source of heat. Over time, fireplaces accumulate layers of creosote that could catch fire in the chimney. In addition to clearing away debris, soot, and creosote accumulation, the sweep will examine the chimney and fireplace for any indications of cracks or deterioration. A chimney specialist should clean your fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Before the winter weather sets in and Santa descends on your chimney, early autumn is the ideal time to have your chimney and fireplace serviced.

Many people don’t realize gas fireplaces also need regular servicing and cleaning.  While clean burning gas doesn't produce the soot associated with burning wood, it does cause some build-up and emits corrosive substances that can damage your chimney. Catching issues early will save you money down the road.

5. Unclog & Clear Your Gutters And Downspouts

When the rainy, leaf-falling season starts in the upcoming weeks, your gutters and downspouts will have a lot of work to handle. The primary cause of gutter obstructions is leaves and branches. During the fall, leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in gutters, causing poor drainage that might harm your roof, gutters, siding, and possibly your foundation. Spend time now cleaning the gutters out to make sure they're ready for action.

6. Check Your Roofing

You'll want to make sure you find time to have your roof inspected before the hard winter weather arrives. As the cold weather progresses, oversights can cause structural damage to various roofing materials, requiring costly repairs and replacements. It may be challenging for your roofer to work with shingles that have grown brittle and tough when they’re cold, so it is preferable to get them checked out before the temperature decreases.

Tip: When the trees have completely dropped their leaves, clean the roof again to remove any debris and fallen leaves.

7. Care For Your Plants And Lawn

One of the best things about fall is undoubtedly the vibrant foliage colors. Although, it’s sad to see your plants suffer in the winter months after caring for them all spring and summer. Get your plants ready for tough weather by trimming them back and removing any dead branches or buds. During a storm, overgrown plants, trees, and shrubs can seriously damage your home, and having them professionally pruned is the greatest way to prevent this kind of harm from occurring to your property. If you have plants that are susceptible to the cold, you’ll want to winterize them by covering them with plastic or fabric or temporarily transplanting them to indoor pots. To ensure that your grass is prepared to flourish once the warm weather returns, aerate and fertilize it in the fall.

Rake the leaves as they fall to safeguard your yard. Check with your city/town to confirm the leaf pick-up schedule. By performing this kind of yard work, you can ensure that the remainder of your grass and landscape features get the sunlight and nutrients they require to be healthy.

To learn how we can assist you in preparing for the fall and winter, get in touch with me right away. If you require a recommendation, we have a list of reliable contractors that we can provide.