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As the seasons change, it's important to stay on top of your home maintenance checklist — especially during the fall.
During this time of year, the cooler temperatures and harsh fall weather can do a number on your home. But with some preparation (and professional assistance), you can keep your home warm, cozy, and safe.
Use these fall home maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape this season and beyond.
What to do:
Neglecting your gutters could cause them to collapse from too much debris. It could also lead to water damage, roof damage, ice dams, pest problems and other issues.
“Once most of the leaves have fallen, homeowners should have their gutters cleaned out,” says Brian Sacco, owner of TruBlue of Charlotte.
Find a gutter cleaning service near you, or check out this complete guide to gutter cleaning.
What to do:
The best time to get your HVAC system serviced is in the fall before extreme cold weather hits, says Sacco. If you wait until your heating system fails in the winter, you could be stuck with a larger repair bill.
Did you know? When heat is introduced to a rusted furnace that’s full of moisture, it will likely cause cracks. Hire a professional to inspect and service your HVAC system at least one to two times a year to prevent this.
Related: HVAC tune-up and maintenance tips.
What to do:
Your roof is one of your first lines of defense against fall and winter weather. Severe damage to your roof could put the entire home at risk. For example, a hole in your roof could lead to leaks, which could cause water damage and mold growth.
Neglecting your roof could also get expensive down the line. For example, you may need to shell out money to fix electrical issues, rotted wood and excessive mold. If the damage is too severe, you could end up paying for a whole new roofing system.
Related: 5 signs that your roof is in need of repair ASAP.
What to do:
As the temperature drops, you might feel tempted to start using your fireplace. Before you do, clean out any soot, debris and creosote to prevent chimney fires.
“Take the time to keep the ashes cleaned out, and make sure there are no obstructions around the exterior of the chimney or a buildup of leaves,” says Brian.
You should also inspect your chimney system to prevent moisture and critters from invading your home. If your chimney crown breaks and cracks, water can enter and damage your masonry, ceiling, and more. A damaged chimney cap may also let debris and animals enter your chimney.
Pro tip: Get your chimney inspected annually, as advised by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
What to do:
Keep an eye on your water pressure and temperature during the fall. If it's taking longer for your showers to get hot or if the water pressure is too low, call a plumber. You could have a leak in your pipes, or there might be a problem with your water heater. Either way, hiring a professional to fix these problems before winter arrives is a smart idea.
Also, make sure your pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing or bursting in colder weather. If your pipes do freeze, shut off the water.
“Homeowners should also make sure they know where the main water shut-off inside the house is located,” says Brian.
Related: 9 tips to prevent future plumbing disasters.
What to do:
Caring for your lawn in the fall has two main benefits: improving your home's curb appeal and maintaining the health of your grass and plants throughout the year.
Because every lawn is unique, you’ll need to understand your grass type and its needs. A local gardener or lawn service company can help you determine if your yard is ready for aeration, fertilizing and other fall lawn care tasks.
What to do:
Fall weather can be unpredictable. If your area experiences a severe storm, the wind can knock down dead branches hanging from your trees and shrubs. And sometimes, a dead branch can fall and damage your roof, fence, shed or another outdoor structure.
Contact a local tree service if you think you need branches or an entire tree removed.
Related: How to negotiate tree removal (and save money).
What to do:
If water freezes inside your hose, it could damage it, and you might need to buy a new hose and bib. Draining your hose can also help prevent freezing pipes as the temperature drops.
What to do:
Without a strong seal, you may experience drafts in your home, increasing the amount of energy needed to keep it warm.
Ensure that your attic is sealed correctly to help you cut down on heating costs in the fall and winter. If drafts are present in your home, install a hatch.
You should also make sure your attic is insulated. If your attic is drafty and your energy bills are high, you’ll likely need to add insulation (or upgrade your current insulation).
Check the following areas for gaps and cracks:
Cold weather can put a strain on your heating system and lead to higher energy bills. But by preparing your house for the cold, you can avoid wasting precious warm air. Plus, if you don't seal or caulk cracks, cold air can enter your home and freeze your pipes.
Inspect all weatherstripping in your home, and seal your windows, doors and cracks.
Related: How to weatherize your home.
Inspect exterior lighting around:
The days will get darker sooner in the fall. Before it happens, ensure your outdoor and landscaping lights are bright. This will help you prevent falls and slips in your yard, driveway, and other outdoor spaces.
If you decide to upgrade your outdoor lighting or create a festive atmosphere by installing string lights for the holidays, “avoid crossing walkways with cords,” says Brian. “If necessary, attach cords to the ground to avoid a tripping hazard.”
Related: 20 brilliant ways to brighten up your home.
What to do:
If debris, leaves and construction materials accumulate in your crawl space, it might become susceptible to moisture, mold, cracks, pests and other issues. Consider cleaning it out this fall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you:
As we approach the holidays, you might decide to put up decorations (like a Christmas tree) and start using your furnace or fireplace more often. Keep your household safe by double-checking all of your alarms and detectors during the fall.
Related: 7 common causes of holiday house fires.
Fall is the perfect time to clean up your property and prepare for the winter. Get help with your fall home maintenance checklist, and download the Thumbtack app. Use it to find the best home maintenance pros near you.
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll show you pros right for the job, with prices.