Sweater weather is officially here and you'll need more than a spiced coffee to help you get your house fall ready, and we don't mean with cute pumpkin decorations and the smell of cinnamon. Consider this the ultimate fall home maintenance list to get your home fall weather ready!
Prune shrubs and trees
Check to make sure that large branches are trimmed down so they aren't close to your home or vehicle and damaged branches are removed to prevent falling limbs in winter storms.
Rake leaves
Leaving too many leaves on the ground during the fall and winter months can prevent spring growth when the weather starts to warm up.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Cleaning gutters and downspouts, or possibly replacing them, regularly through the fall will prevent clogging and water from damaging the interior and exterior of your home.
Patch spots that critters could enter
When the weather gets colder mice and other small animals seek for warmer shelter. Patch any holes or cracks, no matter how small, on the exterior of your home to keep away any unwanted critters.
Turn off exterior faucets and store hoses
Protect your pipes from the freezing temperatures by turning off the water to the outside faucets. Drain hoses of any water and store them indoors to prevent them from splitting.
Add weatherstripping around doors and windows
Adding weatherstripping to doors and windows keeps drafts from entering and cuts heating costs.
Clean dryer vents
Lint buildup in the dryer vents can make your dryer work less efficiently and is a potential fire danger. Dry fall weather increases static electricity in the air and can light the lint on fire.
Schedule chimney cleaning and/or HVAC maintenance
Making sure that your chimney and/or heating system are properly working before you need to use them is an important safety measure. Don't forget to double check the filters in your furnace!
Aerate soil
Aerating the soil relieves compaction caused by foot traffic and creates extra pore space in the soil, allowing air, nutrients and water to enter.
Fix cracks in driveway
When water gets in to cracks during cold months it freezes and expands, making the cracks larger.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
While you're checking everything else in your home, it's a good idea to double check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.