Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall
You know the autumn and fall season have begun when you need to grab a jacket to go outside. This usually happens at the end of September and the beginning of October in the South. By that time the leaves have already started to turn color. The beautiful fall leaves are starting to bathe us with incredible colors. The air is less humid. The weather typically holds steady in the ’70s with a slight chill at night. Nearing the end of Fall leaves us feeling a bit sad as we kiss the season goodbye.
Before fall is completely over don’t forget your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist! The weather feels great now but freezing temperatures are right around the corner.
For anyone who is still in denial that winter is coming here is a reminder to get your home in order before the freezing temperatures wreak havoc on your home. Whether you have a new home or not you will want to complete this checklist to keep your home in good condition. If you’re just now reading this home maintenance checklist, then you will want to get this done right away.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Close up crawl space vents.
If you have crawl space vents, now’s the time to close them up. This will help maintain the heat in your home. It will also keep out any creatures that may have been scheming to take residence in your crawl space for the winter.
Unhook spigots.
Don’t leave your hose connected to your hose spigot. If you do, the seal on the connection will most likely break. Your spigot and hose could freeze and crack. In addition to unhooking the hose, it’s a good idea to cover the spigot. You can find covers at any home supply company. They fit over the spigot and protect it and your pipes from freezing temperatures. Most newer plumbing and spigots are freeze proof but if your unsure it’s always good to be safe then sorry.
Clear out gutters.
After the leaves are done falling get your gutters cleaned. Don’t bother cleaning them out beforehand or you will have to do this job twice. The leaves are typically done falling by Thanksgiving. Clear them out to maintain good drainage on your home. Cleaning out your gutters also helps remove mold and pests such as wasps.
Have your HVAC unit(s) checked.
Be sure to call a licensed HVAC service provider. We recommend Sonshine Heat & Air for Middle Tennessee. This is a big safety item. If your HVAC heat exchanger has a crack it can leak carbon monoxide inside the house.
You can call your gas company to come out and check your unit. They will light the pilot light and check the unit to make sure it’s working properly.
Get your propane tank checked.
You can call your propane provider if your home uses propane. They should come out and check the tank for safety for free. You can refill your propane tank now at the beginning of winter. However, if you want to save money on the cost of a propane tank refill, plan to refill it in the Spring when the cost of propane is lower.
You may have completed this home maintenance checklist and been reminded of a home renovation project you want to be done. Give us a call for a quote. We’ll come out to review the project with you. After we have a clear understanding of what you want we’ll provide you with a quote. You can finally check that home improvement project off your list along with getting your home winter ready!
Stock up on air filters.
You should change out your in house air filter monthly. Find an air filter supplier that sells in bulk or load up on air filters when they go on sale. Purchase 12 at a time so you’re ready to reload. This cuts down on your energy bill both during summer and during winter. Anytime your house fan kicks on a clean filter works more efficiently.
A clean air filter cuts down on allergy syptoms that are so common in the South. If you have pets it helps reduce air pollutents from them. If your windows are not air tight you will have a lot air pollutants floating in through the cracks. Your air filter helps clean the air so your lungs don’t have to.
Consider switching to a tankless water heater.
The tank water heater typically breaks when in high use. People use their hot water heater more frequently in the winter to take hot showers and baths. The last thing you want in the middle of winter is your basement or garage full of water that gushed out of a broken hot water tank.
The tankless water heaters are more efficient, take up less space and won’t flood your home when they break.
