Now that Fall is here, it is a great time to do home maintenance, plus the weather is more enjoyable to perform these projects.
- Check smoke detectors in your house. Test all alarms in the house and replace any dead batteries. A simple check could be extremely helpful in case of an emergency.
- When you moved in it was required to have a working fire extinguisher, but have you kept that up to date? There should be a fire extinguisher on every level of your house as well one in your garage. Learning how to use them is paramount too, make sure every family member knows where they are located and how to use one in an emergency.
- At least once a year you should check and maintain your sump pump. Making sure it is in the lowest point of your house. Most homes this will be in the basement or crawlspace. Check to make sure it pumps the water out and the electrical connections are working.
- Do you travel to a shore home or mountain home during the colder months? Turning your water and drain the waterlines off prevents the hoses from freezing. Insulate your pipes for the same reason. Unplug appliances to reduce the risk of fire.
- Going out now before the snow arrives to pick up some ice melt, rock salt, sand, and even kitty litter can help keep your driveway and sidewalk safe. Plus keeping some in the trunk of the car adds weight so you don’t slid over the ice so easily. It can also aide you when you are stuck on some ice and need grip for your tires.
- Clean your gutters. A proper gutter cleaning provides the peace of mind during those rainstorms. A clear gutter can prevent leaks and water damage in the roof which can happen inside or outside.
- Winterize your sprinklers. Your sprinkler system is probably not going to be running during the colder weather, once your watering is done for the season, disconnect the hose. Insulation might be an option for your spicket. You might need a lawn service to flush the line out as well.
- Clean your window screens. You can rid your home of lower quality indoor air. Keep mold growth at a bay, which is very important to your health.
- If you have a chimney, hire a professional to sweep it. A clean fireplace could prevent any backflow of smoke during Fall and Winter.
- Dryer vents, filters, and screens should be cleaned out, not only does it make your machine more effeciently but it can reduce the risk of a dryer fire.
- Hire an HVAC technician to service your furnace. This aides in a more efficent heating system and can ultimately save you money when turning the heat up. You should also clean your ducts and air filters.
- Check your HVAC filters, they should be replaced every 3 months, so with each season, especially in the Fall when the heat is on. Vacuuming the vent grates cleans up the appearance but reduces the allergens in the house.
- Make sure to do a review of your house’s insulation in your attic or crawlspace. This can alert you to drafts and potential heat loss.
- Check your foundation. Look around for cracks and split caulk where the siding meets the masonry, where the pipes or wires enter the house and windows. You can prevent heat from escaping during the Winter.
- Straighten up any no longer in use patio furniture. If you have furniture covers, make sure to put those on as it will lengthen the life of your furnishings. Wash any cushions and store them in a clean and dry environment.
- Trim tree limbs near your house and roof. Trimming loose or dead branches can save you the worry of them falling on or close to your house.
- Inspect your roof. The colder, wetter weather can wreak havoc on your roof. It is easier and safer to check your roof before there is a leak during the rain or snow.
- Clean any leaf debris from your driveway and sidewalk. It is a homeowner’s responsiblity to remove leaf litter from the sidewalk. This will prevent any unfortunate injuries on your property, as well as preventing the sewers from draining properly.