The days are getting a bit shorter, leaves are changing colors, and colder months are around the corner. But before we take a deep dive into the winter, autumn is the perfect time to do a home maintenance check to get ahead of any potential issues. From clearing the gutters to checking for drafts, there is plenty to be done this time of year. 

Replace Batteries & Check Alarms

With cold weather approaching, you want to be sure your home is well-equipped for emergencies. While it can be an easy thing to put off, checking your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms is a quick and simple task that will give you peace of mind. 

Clear Your Gutters

Get ahead of the falling leaves and clean out your gutters as you don’t want them to get clogged! Leaves easily get stuck in gutters, causing damage if the weight becomes too heavy.

Check for Drafts

Be sure to go around your home and check for any drafty windows or doors that may need to be fixed before the cold weather really hits. Replacing the weather stripping on doors is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that’ll keep you and your family warm and comfortable.

Prepare Your Furnace/Fireplace, Gather Firewood

If you have a fireplace, wood-burning stove or furnace, you’ll want to get ahead of the game and gather plenty of wood to keep you warm through the winter. If you use a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clear and ready for use. If you have an electric heating or boiler system, you’ll want to test it as it’s been sitting unused during the summer months. The last thing you want to do is realize your heat isn’t working on a cold winter’s day.

Check Your Inventory

From back-up batteries and flashlights to the necessary tools (rakes, shovels, etc.), now is a great time to go through and organize your shed or storage space to ensure you have everything you need for the coming months. It may take some time to clean up, but your future self will thank you.

Disconnect Garden Hoses

It’s very important to disconnect and drain your garden hoses before freezing temperatures hit. If there’s any water left in a hose, and the temperature drops below freezing, the spigot itself can become damaged. Once a spigot is cracked, it must be replaced. Simply drain your hose by turning off the spigot, and then using a spray nozzle to get any excess water out of the hose. 

Fall home maintenance is critical so your property remains in the best possible condition for enduring any rain, frost, and snow as we approach the winter season. Without completing preventative home maintenance projects early, you may find yourself having to repair more serious damage in colder, harsher months, especially when it comes to any wooden structures and electrical systems. Get ahead of the game so you can enjoy cozy, comfortable nights inside!