Fall Maintenance Tips For Your Home

Chilly fall temperatures serve as a polite reminder that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold. A few simple preparations now will help prevent headaches and costly repairs throughout the winter months.

Fall Maintenance Tips For Your Home:

• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
• Have the heating and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
• Replace or clean exhaust furnace filters.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secured.
• Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys. Clean the gutters and check the discharge locations of the downspouts.
• Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
• Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
• Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house.
• Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
• Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
• Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation.
• Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
• Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair windowsills and frames as necessary.
• Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
• Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve on water heaters.
• Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
• Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky.
• Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices.
• If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).
• Inspect for evidence of wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home. If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
• Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.