Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

To help you prepare your home for the colder weather, we've put together the infographic below. Check it out!

Needless to say, you've got your work cut out for you when it comes to getting ready for the weather extremes that lie ahead.

Heating Maintenance

Have your home's heater inspected and cleaned by a trained professional on an annual basis. As part of this tune-up, an experienced tech will be able to clean all working components in your heating system to be sure things are operating as efficiently as possible. Not just that, but he or she will also be able to pinpoint potential issues that could eventually lead to a breakdown of the system this fall/winter.

In addition to scheduling an appointment for professional maintenance for your home's heater, you should also be doing your part when it comes to caring for the system. Replace your air filter on a routine basis - likely once per month, even more often if you have pets or smokers in your home. These things could cause your filter to get dirty much quicker than usual. Your filter's job is to trap airborne pollutants to prevent them from getting blown out through the ducts in your home. If the filter is dirty, conditioned air from your furnace can't easily pass through. This could cause your heater to work harder than necessary to warm your home, potentially leading to premature wear and tear and higher energy bills.

Windows and doors

Another area of your home to not overlook prepping is your window and door frames. As time passes, the weatherstripping used around these frames will weaken due to the fluctuating temperatures and outdoor conditions. When this seal isn't protecting your frames like it should, cold air from outside can get in and conditioned air from your heater can get out.

Not sure if you need to add extra sealant around your frames? Try this test: run your hand along the perimeter of your windows and doors. If you notice any cold air passing through, these are the spots that will need weatherstripping added. These materials can be purchased at a local home improvement store.

Yard care

Don't forget to also put away your lawnmower, weed trimmer, garden hose, rakes, etc. before cold weather arrives. It's best to store these items in a secure, covered area so that they are guarded from the elements and won't get damaged by moisture - and then rust. Store these items in a shed or garage, or in your basement. If these locations are not available, you can cover them securely with a tarp so that rain, snow, and ice won't damage them during their "off-season."

Along with your lawn equipment, store any patio or pool furniture that's been outside. Again, it's best to put these things in a shed, garage, or your basement. But if these spaces aren't available, do your best to cover them with a weatherproof tarp.

Roofing

Did nasty weather this summer wreak havoc on your roof? Now is the time to make note of any missing or damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Failure to get these shingles swapped out could ultimately lead to moisture intrusion in the roof of your home. This means that your roofing panels and attic space could get damaged from rain, snow, or ice. If you aren't sure what to look for when it comes to damaged roofing, consult with a professional for assistance.

Safety

Now is also a great time to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working like they should. Replace their batteries, if needed, and test them to be sure they're working properly. Also, now is the time to replace old fire extinguishers with new ones. It's recommended for you to have an extinguisher in your kitchen, and also in your basement or utility area next to your water heater and heating system.

Want more helpful homeowner tips?

Be sure to check our blog often. We offer a variety of tips, tricks, and advice, to help you with caring for your family's vital service lines, systems, appliances, and more. Have questions about our home protection plans? Don't hesitate to give us a call anytime, or you can chat with a customer service representative by clicking the "Click to Chat" tab on the right side of the page.