Essential Fall Home Maintenance

Autumn has officially arrived, and October is the perfect month for festivities such as pumpkin carving and apple-picking. But if you’re a homeowner, you also know that this is a month to focus on important home maintenance before winter arrives or the holiday rush begins. To help you rest easy and enjoy the beauty of the season, we’ve put together a short list of essential fall home maintenance projects to prioritize in the weeks ahead. 

Heat Up Before It Cools Down

October is the perfect month to service your heater so it’s ready to warm your home during chilly late-autumn evenings. Schedule a tune-up with an HVAC technician to ensure that every part of your heating system is working properly for the colder days ahead. You can also clean out any dust or debris from indoor and outdoor heating vents to keep the air clean and reduce fire hazards. This fall home maintenance item is essential to take care of.

Gutter Check

Take a ladder around the perimeter of your roof to make sure gutters and downspouts are secured to the side of your house. As weather gets colder and many places experience dropping temperatures, gutters are at risk for detaching under the weight of ice or snow. And of course, check your gutters often during the next couple of months for fallen leaves, which can quickly clog gutters and cause roof leaks. While you’re at it, inspect your roof for shingle, fascia, or soffit damage. Catching small problems early will prevent big roofing issues in the future.

The Great Autumnal Outdoors

October offers some of the best seasonal outdoor activities, from jumping in leaf piles to hayrides and trick-or-treating. Amidst all the fall fun, don’t forget to prepare the exterior of your home for the changing season. After the bonfires and harvest parties, it might be time to cover or store patio furniture, flowerpots, planters, and other lawn decor. You’ll also want to check the exterior of your home’s windows, and fill any visible cracks with caulk to ensure that your home is draft-free on cold days. Many families won’t be using their air conditioner until next spring, so it’s also a good time to pop a cover over your A/C unit to protect it from the elements while it’s not in use.

When you just can’t tackle a project alone, our handymen are ready to help. For every item on your fall home maintenance to-do list, contact House Doctors!

Sources: Bob Vila; Angie’s List; Real Simple