Fall Maintenance Tips

Here are some useful fall maintenance tips to assist you in preparing your home for the colder months ahead:

1. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Prevent water damage by clearing out leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to roof and foundation issues when water overflows.

2. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps, ensuring your home stays warm and energy efficient.

3. Check the Roof for Damage

Examine your roof for missing or damaged shingles that could lead to potential water leaks and formation of ice dams. Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edge, blocking water from properly draining. Fall is the ideal time to repair any issues before winter weather hits.

4. Service Your Heating System

Make sure your furnace or heating system is in top shape. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s working efficiently before the cold sets in.

5. Have Air Conditioner Winterized

Clean your AC unit, removing any dirt, debris, or leaves from the unit, to prevent buildup that can cause damage over time. Cover your unit with a weatherproof cover to protect the unit from the harsh weather elements. Insulate exposed pipes and replace air filters. These steps can extend the life of your air conditioning system by reducing wear and tear during the offseason.

6. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Cut back any overhanging branches near your home, especially those that are close to windows, roofs, or power lines. This reduces the risk of damage from falling limbs during winter storms.

7. Drain and Cover Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

To avoid freezing pipes, shut off water to exterior faucets and drain your garden hoses and sprinkler systems. Also, place foam covers over exterior faucets to provide insulation that will help to retain heat around the faucet. This simple step can prevent costly repairs down the road due to pipe bursts.

8. Check and Clean Your Chimney

If you have a fireplace, fall is the time to get your chimney cleaned and inspected. This will help to prevents fire hazards, improve air quality, ensure efficient heating, prevent structural damage, and extend the lifespan of your chimney. 

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they’re functioning properly. Fire hazards increase during fall and winter due to heating systems, fireplaces, space heaters, indoor trees, and holiday lights.

10. Rake and Mulch Leaves

Instead of bagging all those fallen leaves, consider mulching them with a lawnmower. Use a lawnmower or specialized mulching tool to chop the fallen leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be left on the lawn or used as mulch in garden beds. Instead of raking and bagging leaves, mulching allows the smaller pieces to decompose naturally, providing nutrients to your lawn and garden, preparing your yard for a healthy spring.

11. Inspect Insulation and Attic Ventilation

Ensure your attic has adequate insulation and ventilation. Proper insulation will keep your home warm and lower heating bills, while good ventilation prevents moisture buildup and mold.

12. Stock your Home with Winter Supplies

In advance of potential snow storms, blizzards, or power outages, you should equip your home with winter supplies. Make sure to have snow shovels, a snow blower, de-icing salt or sand, space heaters, firewood, flashlights and lanterns, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, first-aid kit, and plenty of hot cocoa with marshmallows to keep warm.

These fall maintenance tips could potentially save you money on repairs and energy bills for your home, and keep you and your family safe.

LaShawn Freeman, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Agent

Unlocking new memories, one door at a time.

M: 917.254.3313 / E: lashawn.freeman@elliman.com