As the cool, crisp days of fall approach, it’s time to ensure your home is ready for the change in seasons. Preparing your home for fall not only keeps things running smoothly but also helps prevent potential issues from becoming major headaches in winter. From gutter cleaning to checking your heating system, here’s your comprehensive fall home maintenance guide, along with advice on when to call a professional like Drew McClellan from Quality Home Inspections.
1. Clean and Inspect Gutters
Leaves and debris can quickly clog your gutters in fall, leading to water damage when the rainy season hits. Clogged gutters may cause water to overflow, potentially damaging your roof, siding, and even your home’s foundation.
- Tip: Clean your gutters thoroughly, and check for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
- When to Call a Professional: If you notice any cracks or sagging gutters, it may be time to call a professional for repairs or replacement.
2. Check the Roof for Damage
Fall is a great time to inspect your roof for any damage before winter storms set in. Missing shingles, cracked flashing, or leaks can lead to more serious problems if not addressed.
- Tip: Look for any visible signs of damage, like missing or curled shingles, and pay attention to any leaks or water stains on your ceiling.
- When to Call a Professional: If you’re uncomfortable inspecting the roof yourself or notice signs of wear, consider hiring a certified home inspector, like Drew from Quality Home Inspections, to assess the situation thoroughly.
3. Seal Doors and Windows
As temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure your home is well-insulated. Drafty doors and windows can let cold air in, causing your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
- Tip: Inspect window frames and doors for any cracks or gaps, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to improve energy efficiency.
- When to Call a Professional: If you’re dealing with older windows or large gaps, it may be worth consulting a professional to ensure they’re properly sealed or considering window replacement.
4. Test Your Heating System
Fall is the perfect time to make sure your heating system is working efficiently before winter sets in. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, annual maintenance can help extend its life and prevent costly repairs.
- Tip: Replace or clean your furnace filter, and test your thermostat to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- When to Call a Professional: If your heating system is making strange noises or you haven’t had it inspected in over a year, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician to service the unit.
5. Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace
A cozy fire can make fall evenings warm and inviting, but an unchecked chimney or fireplace can also pose a safety risk. Chimney fires are often caused by built-up creosote, a byproduct of burning wood.
- Tip: Make sure your chimney is free from debris and inspect the damper to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- When to Call a Professional: If you use your fireplace frequently, hire a chimney sweep to clean it annually. A professional can also check for cracks or other issues that could lead to dangerous gas leaks or fires.
6. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses
As temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to drain and store any outdoor hoses to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
- Tip: Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets, drain any remaining water, and store them in a dry place to avoid damage during colder months.
- When to Call a Professional: If you notice any leaks in your outdoor faucets or suspect the pipes may be damaged, call a plumber to inspect and address the issue before it worsens.
7. Clean and Inspect Outdoor Lighting
With shorter days ahead, you’ll be relying more on your outdoor lighting for safety and security. Fall is the perfect time to clean your light fixtures and ensure all bulbs are working.
- Tip: Replace any burned-out bulbs and clean light covers to ensure maximum brightness.
- When to Call a Professional: If you’re experiencing electrical issues or want to install additional outdoor lighting for security, a licensed electrician can help you avoid potential hazards.
8. Examine Your Water Heater
As the weather cools, your water heater will be working overtime. Inspecting it in fall can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when winter hits.
- Tip: Flush your water heater to remove sediment build-up, which can affect efficiency. Check for any leaks or unusual noises.
- When to Call a Professional: If your water heater is over 10 years old or you notice inconsistent water temperature, consider calling a plumber for an inspection.
Why Fall Home Inspections Matter
While some fall maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, others require the trained eye of a professional. Hiring an expert like Drew McClellan from Quality Home Inspections can provide peace of mind, ensuring your home is prepared for the season and identifying potential problems before they become costly.
- Get in Touch with Quality Home Inspections Today: Preparing your home for fall? Call Drew McClellan at Quality Home Inspections to schedule an inspection and get expert advice on maintaining your home throughout the year. Contact Drew at (720)-879-8000 or visit Quality Home Inspections.