Getting Your Home Ready For The Fall

When the weather gets cooler, we all have the desire to get our home ready for the impending cold season. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Now is a great time to get your home ready for the Fall. Even though summer is not quite over yet, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly.

Do an home exterior check

You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab a latter (and be safe!) for a better look. When looking at the roof, look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. It could lead to leakage and damage in the winter. Also check your chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before the winter/cold weather. Check home exterior siding for cracks or holes. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks. Lastly, reinforce windows and doors. Remove screens (if applicable) and install storm windows and doors if you use them.

Check for drafts.

Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. Check caulk and seals around all doors and windows to help save heat during the winter. A good tip is to use a lit candle and if the flame flickers, there’s a draft.

Winterize air conditioning.

If your home has central air conditioning, it may be necessary to cover your outdoor unit for winter. Covering your outdoor unit can help prevent damage during the winter. Living in New England, our winters can be harsh. If you use window air conditioning units, it’s best to remove them or at least cover them to prevent air leaks.

Outdoor watering.

Drain all your garden hoses and disconnect them from the outside spigots. Shut off any exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Once all your hose are disconnected, store them in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze. Garages work pretty well. Depending on your irrigation system, that may also need to be drained and checked.

Seasonal furniture

Wash and dry outdoor summer furniture and store them in a dry place over winter. Be sure to clean all the cushions, not just the chairs. When putting them away in your shed or garage, take that time to organize it all. As your shed is filling up with summer items, it’s a good time to organize and clean. Move summer items to the back and winter stuff up front for better access.
Getting your home ready for the Fall before it gets too cool out will save you time, energy, and headache. Being proactive about the season changes will help you enjoy each season as they come!