Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Summer is coming to an end and fall is almost upon us. If you are a new homeowner, fall home maintenance may be something your landlord handled. If you are a seasoned homeowner – you still my appreciate a few reminder tips that will help you lower your utility bills and protect your investment.

TUNE UP YOUR HEATING SYSTEM

Invite your friendly HVAC technician over to inspect your furnace or heat pump. He will ensure that your system is clean and in good repair. Preventative maintenance on your heating system will minimize the chance that you will have a furnace failure during one of the winter’s coldest days. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Hot air rises. If you you reverse your ceiling fan (if possible) the fan will produce an updraft and push heated air from the ceiling down into the room. This will be especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings.

CHECK YOUR ATTIC AND ROOF

Air leaks and other areas of inadequate insulation will cause excess ice to accumulate on your roof – leading to ice dams. Ice dams can lead to melting water backing up and flowing into your home. Also be sure to visually inspect your roof for missing or loose shingles that may leak during storms or when snow melts.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS AND DIVERT DOWN SPOUTS

Although the leaves have yet to begin accumulating – make sure you clean your gutters out as leaves pile up. Full gutters cause water to back up against the house damaging roofing, siding, and wood trim. Divert downspouts so that water runs at least 3 to 4 feet away from your foundation.

TURN OFF OUTDOOR FAUCETS

Disconnect garden hoses and drain water from your exterior faucets and irrigation systems – then turn off the shut-off valve inside your home. Water in pipes can freeze and cause the pipes to burst as ice expands.

MULCH INSTEAD

Experts say that if you mulch your leaves while dry into dime sized pieces, instead of raking, the decomposing leaves with nourish your lawn over the winter.