Fall has officially arrived. Is your home ready for the cooler weather and what comes with it? Here is a Fall home maintenance check list, that can help you get ready for the winter and save you money.
- Protect Outdoor Faucets
A frozen faucet outdoors can result in a burst pipe indoors, and you don’t want that costly and messy problem. Start by removing any hoses to outdoor faucets Turn on faucet from outside then shut off the valve from inside causing the pip to drain the water. If you forget a faucet and notice icicles after a freeze, turn a hair dryer on it and then perform the task above. Click here if you need help.
- Prevent Energy Leaks from Electrical Outlets
Did you know that wall sockets are a source of air leaks? They are, and you can help prevent heat loss in the winter by installing foam gaskets behind them. Click here if you need help.
- Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters send rainwater down exterior walls, causing water damage to siding and masonry and allowing it to pool against the foundation and potentially leak into your home. Water trapped in gutters also can freeze, and the weight can cause the gutters to pull away from your home. Once the leaves begin to fall, clear your gutters and continue to keep them clear throughout the season. Click here if you need help.
- Check Exterior Caulking and Weatherstripping
Fall is the perfect time to make sure your house is properly caulked and your weatherstripping is in good shape. Inspect around windows, doors and anywhere else two materials meet to make sure the caulk is in good shape. Check weatherstripping around doors and replace if it’s broken or missing – it’s super easy to do. Click here if you need help.
- Fix Window Screens
Now that the weather has turned cool, you likely want to open a window or two. Fix any holes or tears in screens. And while you are in and out of the house performing this task, check your pavers for any needed cleaning or repairs. Click here if you need help.
- Change Your Furnace Filter
Changing your furnace filter is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape. If you haven’t changed it in a while, make sure you have a fresh one before your turn your furnace on for the first time. Click here if you need help.
- Fix Driveway and Sidewalks Before They Get Worse
Changing temperatures and moisture can turn a small concrete problem into a big one. Take some time to repair broken concrete and get some more time out of your sidewalk, driveway and steps before they’re in need of full replacement. Click here if you need help.
- Winterize Your Gas Grill
If you’re not a winter griller, now’s the time to pack away your grill before it’s covered with a foot of snow. In addition to giving your grill a thorough cleaning to remove grease and food scraps, take these steps to help prevent any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your grill again next spring. Here’s how to winterize your grill:
- Shut off the gas at the LP tank, unfasten the burner, slip the gas tubes off the gas lines and lift out the unit.
- Coat the burners and other metal parts with cooking oil to repel moisture that can build up over the winter and to prevent rust.
- Then wrap the burner unit in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to keep spiders and insects from nesting in the gas tubes during the winter. This is a common problem that can make for balky starts, uneven flames or even a one-alarm fire the next time you light your grill.
If you’re storing your grill outside during the winter, just keep the propane tank connected (but shut off) and put a protective cover over the entire grill when you’re done cleaning it. Click here if you need help.
- Check Your Smoke / CO2 Detectors
With furnaces turned on, the windows closed and portable heaters humming along, fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Check batteries and expiration dates. Smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years, and CO detectors last for about six years. Click here if you need help.
- Clean Dryers and Vents
Thousands of dryer fires are caused by lint every year, yet they can be easily prevented with a few minutes of cleaning. With drier air and cooler temperatures approaching, make it a fall ritual to clean out your dryer and vent. Click here if you need help.
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