Fall Home Maintenance Tips

With brightly colored leaves falling from trees and a cool breeze in the air, it’s safe to say fall is in full swing! While it’s always sad to see summer go, autumn is the last real chance to get your home ready for the coming winter. Not sure where to start? Here’s a helpful list of home maintenance tasks to complete this fall!

by Katie Jenison

1. Reseed Your Lawn

Whether you hire a landscaping company or prefer doing touch-ups yourself, fall is a wonderful time to give your lawn a little love—especially if you’re dealing with bare spots! Reseeding your lawn in the fall is an excellent idea because the cooler temperatures encourage growth. There are also fewer weeds for sprouting grass to compete against. Come spring, your lawn will look good as new!

2. Clean Gutters

It may not be the most glamorous of fall home maintenance projects, but ensuring your gutters are squeaky clean is a must. A build-up of leaves and debris inside your gutters can prevent rain and melting snow from draining properly, which can result in significant water damage. Clear out dead leaves, branches, and other debris. While you’re at it, look for and repair cracked or loose gutter segments and double-check that drain spouts are directed away from the house.

3. Winterize Your Deck & Outdoor Spaces

Get your deck ready for winter by clearing it of fallen leaves and debris. Once clear, give it a good scrub, and if necessary, reseal the wood to protect it from the elements. Don’t forget to give outdoor furniture a thorough cleaning too! If you plan to store your outdoor furniture on the deck, it’s best to keep it under wraps with a waterproof cover or tarp.

4. Test Your Furnace

There’s no worse time to discover your furnace is on the fritz than when that first cold snap hits. Before turning your furnace on to test it, install a fresh filter. Early fall is also a good time to have your heating system checked by a licensed heating professional. Systems that are serviced regularly tend to have a longer lifespan and perform better overall.

5. Assess Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Heating your home during the winter can be costly, but assessing your home’s energy efficiency will save you in the long run. Start by checking doors, windows, and your foundation. If you notice potential air leaks, seal them with caulk or weather-stripping. If your home is on the older side, it might be time to hire a remodeler to make some energy-efficient updates. Investing in new windows and appliances will cost more upfront but can have impactful energy savings down the road. You may even be eligible for an energy rebate!

6. Faucets and Irrigation

Inspect outside faucets for damage or leaks and repair them as needed. If you have an irrigation system, you can avoid a hefty repair bill come spring by having a professional winterize your system. When left in the lines, excess water can freeze and damage the pipes and the valves, rotors, and sprinkler heads.

CHECK THESE HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS OFF YOUR LIST, AND YOU’LL REST EASY KNOWING YOUR HOME IS PREPARED FOR FALL AND BEYOND!