Fall Maintenance Checklist
The calendar has turned to the beautiful month of October and now is the time most of us think about a Sunday drive to do a little leaf peeping or head to a farm to enjoy freshly picked apples or cider donuts. While these are all great autumn activities, don’t forget about a few essential items that need to be maintained around your home before the winter sets in and the weather will no longer allow them to be completed.
Now that the last of the summer’s warmth is all but a fond memory, it may be tempting to snuggle up in your home for the winter, content with the thought that your home will protect you for yet another New England winter. Without proper maintenance, your home may be less prepared for the months to come than you think.
Here are a few fall maintenance reminders that may help your home remain in good repair no matter what Mother Nature throws at us this winter season.
Gutter Clean Out
Even with the severe drought this region has been under these past few months, gutters can still get clogged with all sorts of debris. Don’t wait until that first big rainstorm or (worse yet) snowstorm to find out that your gutters need serious cleaning.
Debris such as branches, fallen leaves, and wildlife nesting materials can clog gutters causing water to back up and potentially cause damage within your home or along the foundation line. Blocked gutters are one of the causes of ice dams during the winter months so be sure to flush the downspouts, remove all the gunk, and tighten the brackets where needed so your gutters work as intended.
Store Exterior Hoses & Shut Off Faucets
During the spring and summer, it makes sense to have your exterior faucets on and manned with a hose or sprinkler for gardens and flower beds. During the fall, however, this area is one that many homeowners forget about.
Make it a priority in the early fall to remove the hoses, store them properly, and shut off exterior faucets. Leaving gardening and watering hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If freezing temps hit during an early cold snap, that water could freeze, expand, and eventually crack the faucet or pipes. Be sure to turn off any shutoff valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets.
If your home has an irrigation or sprinkler system, be sure to drain your system given the instructions by the company who installed it. Better yet, have a professional irrigation system company conduct a blowout to be certain that there is no water left in the pipes that could freeze underground and become a nightmare to repair.
Consider Adding Insulation & Weather Stripping
Having a drafty house can not only be uncomfortable during the winter cold but can also hit your wallet hard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “sealing up a drafty house can save up to 20% on your heating bills.”
Consider sealing your home up with added insulation in your attic or weather stripping your windows and doors. Weather stripping can rein in your heating costs and make sure your windows and doors are not allowing the cold hand of winter to enter your home unknowingly.
While you are inspecting your windows, take a closer look at the caulking that helps seal warm air in during the cold weather. If your caulking is cracked or faulty, you may want to take action to recaulk and seal up your home.
Furnace Check-up
An annual furnace or boiler check-up is always a good idea before the winter months roll around. A check-up can make sure the filter is replaced or cleaned and the components are working efficiently to meet the demands of your family as the temperature drops.
Fireplace or Wood Stove Checks
As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, fireplaces and wood stoves should be maintained regularly to ensure there is no build-up of creosote or blockages in the venting or problems with the flue. A professional check-up for this heating element in your home is also a good idea before winter starts in earnest.
While this is far from a complete checklist of items you should inspect to keep your home safe and well-maintained, this should get you started toward peace of mind that your home is ready to endure another New England winter.