Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall Season
Fall is the ideal season to get ahead on home maintenance tasks before the days grow shorter. It would be delightful if preparing for fall simply meant going apple picking and indulging in pumpkin spice everything. While these are cherished traditions, homeowners must also focus on essential preparations. Before your home faces chilly nights and the upcoming winter temperatures, fall is the time to get things done.
In this blog post, we'll discuss top fall home maintenance tips, why they're important, and how to easily handle each task.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips: The Why and How
Tip: Trimming Back Trees
Why: Regularly trimming back trees helps protect your home from potential damage caused by heavy winds and storms. Overgrown branches can become hazardous projectiles during severe weather. If branches are too close to your house, they can let pests like squirrels, raccoons, or roof rats enter your home and cause problems.
How: Trim branches near your roof, gutters, or walls to prevent damage or pests. Use pruning shears, saws, or clippers, and follow safety precautions if doing it yourself. If you're uncomfortable or branches are too high or thick, hire a professional tree-trimming service.
Tip: Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
Why: Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean is crucial to prevent water overflow that can damage your roof, walls, and foundation. Clogged gutters might let water sneak under your roof shingles or pool around your foundation, causing leaks or structural damage. Clogged gutters can also attract pests like mosquitoes or cause mold and mildew, impacting your home's health and safety.
How: Use a sturdy ladder to safely reach your gutters and remove any leaves, debris, or other blockages. A gutter scoop or small trowel can help with the removal process. Make sure your downspouts are clear by running water through them and ensuring they direct water well away from your home's foundation. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris in the future.
Tip: Clean and Replace Filters in HVAC Systems
Why: Dirty filters in your HVAC system can really mess things up! They lower efficiency, hike up your energy bills, and mess with air quality by spreading dust and allergens around.
How: Check your air conditioning system's manual for maintenance tips. Generally, you can wash reusable filters with hot water and mild detergent. Ensure they are completely dry before reinserting them.
Replace disposable filters every 1-3 months based on system use, pets, or allergies. Regular maintenance improves air quality and extends your air conditioning unit’s lifespan.
Tip: Inspecting Your Property for Damage
Why: Walk around your property to check the roof, siding, and foundation to catch small issues before they become big problems. Mice and other pests often invade homes, particularly in colder weather, as they seek shelter. They require only a small gap to access your house and raid your pantry, causing damage and potential health hazards. Sealing these gaps can prevent infestations.
How: In many cases, we recommend you have a roofing professional handle these inspection tasks for safety and thoroughness. Inspect your roof for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles that could lead to leaks. Examine your siding for holes or cracks, and check your foundation for any signs of cracking or settling.
Use caulk or foam insulation to seal any gaps or cracks to prevent pest entry and ensure energy efficiency. Also, if you've got a chimney cap, seal, and clear it of any debris. This helps keep wildlife out and ensures everything's well-ventilated!
Tip: Fix the Cracks on Your Walkways.
Why: It might seem like a hassle, but fixing cracks right away is crucial. If water seeps in and freezes, it expands and worsens the issue. This can cause concrete to crumble, create tripping hazards, and lead to costly repairs later. Addressing these problems early can save you from future headaches.
How: To seal up any visible cracks in your walkways and driveways, grab some concrete crack filler. Just make sure the area is clean and dry before you start for the best results. For significant cracks, consult a professional for proper assessment and repair.
Tip: Check the Insulation in Your Attic and Walls.
Why: Proper insulation can really help you save a lot on heating bills during the cold months. Plus, it keeps your home cozy and stops those chilly drafts that make rooms uncomfortable. A well-insulated home is more energy-efficient, benefiting both your wallet and the environment!
How: Spread your insulation evenly and not compressed or damaged, as this affects its effectiveness. Add more insulation if needed, especially in thin areas. For walls, you might need a professional to inspect and add insulation, as it's less accessible for homeowners.
Tip: Inspect Your Windows and Doors for any Gaps, Holes, or Defects.
Why: Homes lose 25-30% of heating energy through their windows (The Department of Energy). Air leaks make heating systems work harder, raising wear and energy costs.
How: Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Consider upgrading old windows to energy-efficient ones. Weather-strip frames and add door sweeps to retain warmth and reduce energy costs. Regularly clean or replace screens and ensure they fit snugly for optimal efficiency.
Tip: Clear the Lint Buildup From Your Dryer.
Why: Lint in dryer vents can reduce dryer efficiency and heighten fire risk. During the cool, dry fall weather, increased static electricity can ignite lint, creating a potentially hazardous situation. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues and ensure your dryer operates efficiently.
How: Disconnect the dryer from its power source to ensure safety and carefully remove the vent hose. Use a vent cleaning brush or vacuum to thoroughly remove any lint buildup inside the hose and vent. Check the outside vent for any blockages, such as nests or debris, and clear them if necessary to maintain proper airflow.
Tip: Clean out Your Garage.
Why: Fall is a great time to tackle garage clutter, clearing out unnecessary items. Plus, cooler weather makes sorting through your stuff more pleasant than sweating in the summer heat!
How: Begin by cataloging everything in your garage. Decide what items you wish to keep, donate, or discard. Thoroughly sweep out any dust or debris to create a clean and organized space.
Arranging items so they are easily accessible will save time and effort when you need them. Consider installing storage shelves or hooks, which can help maximize vertical space and keep your garage tidy and functional.
Tip: Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
Why: Make sure your heating systems and fireplaces are in good shape during fall and winter to keep your family safe. Faulty smoke detectors can be really risky!
How: Go through each detector in your home and test smoke detectors by pressing the "test" button. If the alarm does not sound, replace the batteries or the detector itself. It's also wise to keep a supply of extra batteries readily available for emergencies, ensuring you're always prepared.
Tip: Prepare your Lawn for Spring.
Why: Caring for your lawn in the fall ensures it stays healthy and green by spring. It's a great time to reseed bare spots and clear debris that could suffocate the grass in winter.
How: Begin by raking up leaves and other debris from your lawn. Aerate the soil to encourage robust root growth, which is crucial for a healthy lawn. Next, overseed with a suitable grass seed for your climate, and cover it with a light layer of mulch to protect the seeds. Regular watering is essential until the first frost, ensuring the seeds take root and establish themselves before winter arrives.
Tip: Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection and Tune-up.
Why: Regular maintenance on your heating system ensures efficiency and longevity while catching potential issues before they become costly. During cold months especially your HVAC system must be running its best.
How: Reach out to a reputable HVAC company to arrange for an annual inspection and tune-up. During this service, technicians will thoroughly clean and inspect your air conditioner for leaks or damage. Once winter starts, remember to change your air filters again, as you'll use your heating system more. This simple step can improve performance and air quality in your home.
Still Need Help With Your Checklist? Contact a Professional!
Some tasks in your home maintenance checklist might go beyond your personal expertise, and that's perfectly fine! It's important to recognize when it's time to call in a specialist. Experts tackle plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, providing accurate service estimates to simplify things!
Additionally, they might spot potential issues that you may have overlooked. It's important to address these needs before heavy rain and snow hit your home to avoid further damage and costly repairs later.
If you're in Sacramento, reach out to Fix-it-Rite! Our team is ready to handle all sorts of issues, like plumbing, HVAC, electrical problems, and more, to keep your home in top shape.
We get it—keeping up with your home can feel like a lot. That's why we offer free estimates for any services you need! This allows you to plan and budget accordingly, without any surprises.
Don't hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at 916-363-6022 for a free estimate today. Our experienced professionals are ready to assist you in keeping your home well-maintained and comfortable year-round.