Fall is a special time of year, but as the season changes and the weather gets harsher, you’ll want to make sure that your home can withstand whatever winter will throw at it this year.
There is nothing worse than finding out you have a roof leak or clogged rain gutters that collapse in heavy rain or snow. Fortunately, proactive maintenance now can save you from costly repairs, frustrating inconveniences and serious safety hazards down the road.
Use this checklist to prep your home for a safe and worry-free fall and winter.
Roof, gutters, downspouts
These are your home’s first line of defense against the elements.
- Clean the gutters: Gutters choked with fall leaves and debris can’t do their job. When water backs up, it can seep under your roof, into your walls and damage your foundation. Clogged gutters also cause of dangerous ice dams in the winter.
- Check the roof: From the ground (or with binoculars), look for missing, cracked or curling shingles that could lead to leaks during fall rainstorms or winter snowmelt.
- Secure downspouts: Ensure your downspouts are firmly attached and directing water at least 6 to 10 feet away from your home’s foundation to prevent water damage and basement flooding.
Service the heating system
Don’t wait for the first freezing night to discover your furnace is on the fritz.
- Schedule a tune-up: Have a certified HVAC technician inspect your furnace or boiler annually. This ensures it’s running efficiently (saving you money on heating bills) and safely and checks for any potential carbon monoxide leaks.
- Change the filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder. Replace your furnace filter to improve air quality and efficiency.
- Test detectors: This is non-negotiable. Press the test button on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries immediately if needed.
Seal leaks and drafts
A drafty house is an inefficient and uncomfortable one.
- Check windows and doors: On a breezy day, feel for drafts around window frames and doorjambs.
- Apply weatherstripping and caulk: Use weatherstripping around doors and apply fresh caulk around windows and areas where pipes or wires enter your home. This simple step can significantly reduce your heating costs.
Yard and exterior
Your yard needs to be put to bed for the winter too.
- Trim trees: Inspect trees for dead or weak branches that could snap under the weight of ice or snow, potentially damaging your home, car or power lines.
- Winterize exterior faucets: To prevent expensive repairs from frozen and burst pipes, shut off the water supply to all exterior faucets from the indoor shutoff valve. Then, open the outside spigot to drain any remaining water.
- Drain sprinkler systems: If you live in an area that freezes and have an in-ground sprinkler system, have it professionally blown out to clear all water from the lines.
Fireplace and chimney care
Before lighting your first fire of the season, make sure your fireplace and chimney are ready.
- Get a chimney sweep: Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned to removes creosote buildup, a flammable substance that is a leading cause of dangerous chimney fires.
- Check the damper: Make sure the damper opens and closes properly to allow smoke to escape when the fireplace is in use and to prevent drafts when it’s not.