As we move into fall, it’s time to think about all the severe weather conditions that can take place in the latter half of the year. Consistently colder temperatures and the unpredictability of winter storms can cause damage to your home if you don’t take precautions beforehand. These six home maintenance tasks will guarantee that your home is ready and prepared to take on the fall.
Drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing
Water left in outdoor faucets runs the risks of freezes as ambient temperatures drop. As water freezes it expands. As water
expands in the faucets, it increases the likelihood of rupture. This can lead to floods that can become a financial nightmare. Therefore, it is recommended that outdoor faucets be drained before the temperatures drop.
This is a simple process and involves the following steps.
- Turn off your water supply valve that leads to the outside.
- Remove any hoses that may have been attached to it for the summer and store those properly indoors
- Turn on the tap, let the water flow out until it stops, then turn it off again. This flushes out any excess water, ensuring nothing is left inside the pipes.
Trim Trees Away From the Home
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Take this opportunity to replace the batteries before they run out and press the test button to make sure they’re in working condition. Double-check that there are smoke detectors installed on every floor of your home. If your smoke detectors have changed color, they will need to be replaced entirely.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
The roof system for your home includes gutters and downspouts. These are a crucial component as their sole function if to collect and direct water away from your home. This protects your home from the dangers of excess precipitation, such as rain and melted snow. Some of these dangers include, rot of the fascia boards as well as seepage into the home’s foundation.
In order to ensure optimal function gutters need to be cleaned regularly. As leaves shed in the fall, the likelihood of clogged gutters increases.
Therefore, one should inspect gutters periodically to ensure they are clean. You can clear out your gutters yourself with a ladder and something to scoop out the debris, or hire a professional to save yourself some time.
Schedule Your HVAC System Maintenance
Your HVAC system should be serviced on an annual basis. Regular annual HVAC maintenance can help prolong the life of your system. Furthermore, if your HVAC system malfunctions when needed, it can become very uncomfortable. Also, cold temperatures in the home, increases the risk of freezing pipes which can cause damage to your home. Additionally, an HVAC system that does not operate efficiently can release toxic substances like carbon monoxide into the home.
Schedule to have your heating system inspected by a professional in the early fall before the temperature drops too low to beat the winter rush.
Get Your Fireplace and Chimney Inspected and Maintained
A fireplace can provide warmth and comfort in the colder months. However, a fireplace can also become a fire hazard if your chimney is not properly maintained. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 16,200 structure fires were caused by fireplaces and chimneys from 2016 to 2018. Your chimney should be inspected at least once a year, so use the cold weather as a reminder to schedule one. If you find that your fireplace and chimney aren’t suitable for use, hire a chimney professional to clean the area and perform any necessary maintenance.
