Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Nate Harrison
July 28, 2024
Harrison Home Solutions
Signs of summer coming to an end are here. The kids are preparing for their return to school, the days are becoming shorter, and the nights are cooler. Whether you are excited for everything pumpkin or attempting to squeeze the last out of the lemonade season; now is a great time to prepare your home for the cooler seasons ahead.
Here is a yearly fall home maintenance checklist to keep you ahead this year:
1. Clean your gutters and downspouts
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts twice a year prevents clogs that keeps water flowing away from home. Leaves and debris also weigh down gutters, potentially pulling them away from your home and causing damage. Clogged gutters may also lead to ice blockage and invite insects to take residence in the debris.
*If you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder, Harrison Home Solutions is happy to assist. See bottom of this article for an all-inclusive fall home preparedness offer.
2. Check your roof
Periodically check your roof for damaged or missing shingles, loose seams or shingles, or other potential problems. Checking your roof yearly potentially catches signs of damage, allowing for repair before costly leaking or other damage occurs.
*If you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder, Harrison Home Solutions is happy to assist. See bottom of this article for an all-inclusive fall home preparedness offer.
3. Check smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends smoke alarms be tested monthly and batteries replaced yearly. It is recommended to replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
*If you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder, Harrison Home Solutions is happy to assist. See bottom of this article for an all-inclusive fall home preparedness offer.
4. Have your furnace inspected
Routine yearly maintenance is recommended to ensure equipment runs safely and efficiently. Routine maintenance may also prevent breakdowns during the winter months.
*Harrison Home Solutions is HVAC certified and prepared to assist in yearly furnace maintenance. See the bottom of this article for an all-inclusive fall home preparedness offer.
5. Check your air and water filters
Changing filters keeps appliances running smoothly. While some filters require more frequent changes, changing all air and water filters in the fall is a good practice. Here is a list of some appliances that may need a filter change:
· Dishwasher filters
· Refrigerator water filters
· Furnace filters
· Vacuum filters
· Clothing dryers (filter and duct)
· Air purifiers and humidifiers
· Range hoods and over the range microwaves
*Harrison Home Solutions is prepared to change all your home filters. See below for more information.
6. Seal air leaks
Keep chilly air out with weatherstripping to seal doors and windows. Installing a door sweep to prevent drafts is also a great idea!
*Harrison Home Solutions is prepared to assist with weatherstripping your home as needed. See below for more information.
7. Adjust your thermostat
It’s time to adjust that programmable thermostat (or possibly install one) to save energy and money! Set a lower temperature for times you are away or sleeping and warmer temps for while you are home and awake.
*Harrison Home Solutions is prepared to program or install your thermostat as desired. See below for more information.
8. Drain your water heater
Draining your water heater once a year may decrease clogs by removing sediment. Check your manufacturer's directions on properly draining your water heater or call a professional for help.
*Harrison Home Solutions is prepared to assist with water heater maintenance & repairs. See below for more information.
9. Prepare your lawn and trees
Yard work in the fall can go a long way through the winter and into spring! Fertilize your lawn in the fall to encourage root growth and promote a green yard in the spring.
Consider mulching leaves to add nutrients to keep it healthy. If you do not have a mulching option or your lawn mower, remember to rake leaves to prevent them from smothering your grass over the winter.
Water trees thoroughly from the trunk to the longest branch. For trees with a thin bark wrap with tree wrap to protect from low temperatures. It is recommended to place 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base. Use any organic mulch appropriate for the area such as bark, wood chips, or even leaves.
10. Clean and store lawn equipment
Rinse and clean shovels, rakes, and hand tools before storing for the winter. Remove remaining fuel from your lawn mower and remove any spark plugs before placing them in storage.
*Harrison Home Solutions is happy to winterize lawn equipment. See below for more information.
11. Inspect and clean your fireplace chimney
It is recommended to have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace yearly before starting a fire.
12. Keep firewood dry
Store your firewood in a dry space at least 30 feet from your home to prevent attracting bugs to your home.
13. Flip your mattress
Rotate your mattress from head to foot every 6 months to prevent sagging. If your mattress has a topper, it should not be flipped.
*Harrison Home Solutions can rotate mattresses if needed. See below for more information.
14. Turn off exterior faucets
Water left in exterior pipes may freeze and can cause pipes to burst. Drain and disconnect water hoses. If your home has a water shut off valve, usually located inside the home, turn off the valve before opening and closing the outside tap to remove any remaining water. You may also want to cover exterior faucets with an insulated cover.
*Harrison Home Solutions will winterize exterior faucets. See below for more information.
Let Harrison Home Solutions take care of your fall home maintenance.
At Harrison Home Solutions we make it easy to find all your home solutions in one place. Our Fall Home Checklist package includes:
· Winterizing of exterior faucets & hoses
o Option to add insulated covers for $5/faucet
· Cleaning of lawn equipment
· Draining of water heater
· Thermostat programming
· Changing of air and water filters
o Furnace air filters provided. Client to provide all other filters at time of replacement.
· Furnace inspection
· Smoker alarms tested and battery replacement
· Gutter & downspout cleaning
· Roof inspection