The autumn season is an ideal time to take care of major home projects before the shorter days and the cold temperatures make work outdoors uncomfortable and complicated.  It is also the perfect time to boost energy efficiency throughout your home – both indoors and outdoors.

Follow these tips for fall home maintenance and be on top of the small things and keep your home in good shape.

Interior 

Your priority this season will be ensuring that warm air does not leak outside and that your furnace is in tip-top shape, ready to heat the house safely.

• Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Make sure that this is done by a professional, since you will need your ventilation, heating, and air conditioning in the upcoming months. The HVAC contractor will also be able to monitor for harmful levels of carbon monoxide and check the system’s heat output.
• Clean the fireplace. This should always be a part of your annual fall home maintenance checklist, especially if your home has a traditional working fireplace.
• Check the window sills. Check the windows for cracks, which will allow warm air to escape the home.
• Reverse ceiling fans in the clockwise direction. This will help redistribute warm air that is trapped against the ceiling.
• Clean your humidifiers to prevent bacteria and spores from accumulating.
• Vacuum air conditioners and wrap them in a plastic or tarp to keep them safe, intact, and ready for next year.
• Test all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Make sure that you have additional batteries at home.

Exterior

The growing season has come and gone, and it’s time to get your lawn ready for the colder months. Doing so will ensure that your turf, plants, and trees are ready to come out healthy in the spring.

• Mow your lawn at a short height, preferably at two inches. This way, your turf can store food for growth but will not allow ice to mat it down, causing fungal issues.
• Rake the leaves and mulch. This will prevent your lawn from suffocating. You can use the grass clippings as mulch or collect the excess and place them in a compost pile.
• Fertilize. Ensure that your lawn has all the nutrients it requires. Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a tee.
• Check your shrubs and trees for signs of decay or disease. If you spot some areas for concern, do not hesitate to ask for professional help.
• Clean your downspouts and gutters. Now’s a good time to inspect them and ensure that they drain away from your home.

This list of fall home maintenance tips may seem a lot, but a lot of the items on the list take just a few minutes to accomplish. By being proactive, you’ll be able to prevent potentially expensive, time-consuming damage to your home.

Sources:
“Benefits of HVAC System Cleaning,” The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association, https://nadca.com/commercial-consumers/benefits-of-hvac-system-cleaning
“Ceiling Fan Installation and Usage Tips,” Energy Star, https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/ceiling_fans/installation_usage_tips
“The Importance Of Fall Fertilization,” Turf Magazine, https://www.turfmagazine.com/services/falling-for-fertilization/
“The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Landscape Maintenance,” Better Homes & Gardens, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/seasonal-landscape-maintenance/