Fall Maintenance To Do List

If you have been putting off outside maintenance on your home because of the summer heat, not to worry, the weather has changed! Fall is a great time to do dive into outdoor work and start preparing your house for winter and the cold weather ahead. Here are a few things you should be doing to make sure your home is ready for the changing colder temperatures ahead. 

1. Clean Your Gutters Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris so water doesn't pool and cause damage to your home. 
2. Check For Leaks and Water Damage Give your home a good look over to make sure there are no leaks, potential leaks, or water damage that you may have missed. Make sure to look thoroughly at your roof and attic to make sure there are no problems. 
3. Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets Close off shut-off valves for outside faucets and fully drain the line of all water so they don't freeze and burst when the temperature drops. Consider using a cover on outdoor faucets. 
4. Maintain Your Home's Heating System Make sure your filters are being replaced regularly and schedule a service check if you are due or haven't done one in awhile. Make sure your heating system is ready to get you through the cold winter months without issues. 
5. Fireplace Maintenance If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep to make sure your fireplace is clean and ready to go this winter. Also, make sure to check your flue and vents before using the fireplace for the first time. 
6. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans Reversing the rotation of your ceiling fans to clockwise makes heating your home more efficient. 
7. Drain Your Hot Water Heater Draining your hot water heater helps flush sediment and debris which can cause your hot water heater to work less efficiently. Draining the hot water heater yearly may help your system last longer as well. 

If you have questions about anything on this checklist or if you are looking for a professional to help you with any of these services, get in touch with one of our Montague Miller & Co real estate professionals who will help answer your questions.