Autumn is now in full swing—the air is crisp and the trees are showing off their prettiest colors. As you savor the season, it’s the perfect time to give your home some TLC to keep it safe, warm, and efficient during the colder months ahead, notes BHB Real Estate Group.
Here’s your practical and complete mid-fall home maintenance checklist.
Appliance Audit
Before you even think about battling with those piles of leaves, let’s talk about your appliances. As we nestle deeper into fall, your home appliances are likely feeling the strain of increased use. Take this time to ensure everything is in top working order:
Heating system: If you haven’t already, now is the moment for a furnace tune-up. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns on chilly nights.
Kitchen appliances: With the holiday season approaching, make sure your oven, stove, and microwave are functional. Descale your dishwasher to prepare it for more frequent loads. A thorough inspection and deep-cleaning can improve performance and safety.
Laundry machines: They’ve likely had a workout with all those cozy autumn sweaters and throws. Check for any leaks and clear out lint traps beyond the usual filter to prevent fire hazards.
Regular appliance checks might not seem glamorous, but they can save you from the nightmare of a holiday disaster. If you’re in or around Austin, let Travis County Appliance Repair do the dirty work for you.
Gutter Glory
The beauty of falling leaves quickly turns into a chore as they pile up. Regular raking isn’t just good for your lawn’s health—preventing mold and pests—it also offers a great workout! Clear leaves from your gutters and drains again, even if you’ve already done it once. Keeping waterways clear is crucial to prevent water damage.
Seal in the Warmth
Mid-autumn is a great time to check for drafts as the temperature drops. Feel around windows and doors for cold air and consider adding or replacing weatherstripping. Thermal curtains can also be a stylish and functional addition to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
Fire Safety First
There’s something undeniably romantic about a crackling fire on a crisp autumn evening. If you’ve been using your fireplace, it’s good to keep an eye on ash buildup. Regular cleaning can prevent dangerous chimney fires.
Also, with the fireplace in frequent use, fall is the perfect time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and consider upgrading older models. This simple step is a giant leap towards ensuring your family’s safety.
Roof and Exterior Walk-Through
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Take a walk around your home and inspect the roof, siding, and foundation. Look for signs of damage such as loose or missing shingles and cracks in the siding or foundation. Early repairs can prevent major problems when winter storms hit.
Prepare the Plumping
Make sure all your indoor and outdoor plumbing is ready to face the freeze. If you haven’t already, drain and store garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets. Insulate any exposed pipes in areas like basements, attics, and garages to prevent freezing and bursts.
Energy Efficiency Review
Check your home for energy leaks. Simple fixes like sealing gaps in door frames and adding insulation can significantly reduce heating costs. Consider an energy audit for personalized tips on improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Garden and Yard Care
Your garden still needs you! Plant bulbs for spring and mulch your beds to protect plants from freezing temperatures. Clean and store garden tools and equipment, draining any fuel from gas-powered machines to extend their life.
Check on Walkways and Driveways
As leaves become wet and decompose, they can create slippery hazards. Keep walkways and driveways clear of leaves and debris. Also, check that outdoor lighting is working correctly to ensure safety as daylight hours shorten. Check out Jenny Chem for white de-icing salt to reduce the melting point of water and prevent ice from forming.
Test Home Safety Systems
As you spend more time indoors, it’s vital to ensure that all your home safety systems are functioning correctly. Test your security system, check the operation of window and door locks, and ensure that all security lights are in working order.
Refresh Your Emergency Kit
Mid-fall is an excellent time to check on your emergency preparedness. Update your emergency kit with fresh batteries, new bottles of water, non-perishable food items, blankets, and first aid supplies. Ensure you have adequate supplies for power outages and severe weather, including flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra medication.
Deck the Halls (Later) by Decluttering Now
Finally, take the opportunity to declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need, and store your summer gear properly. This not only frees up space but also makes room for the holiday decorations that’ll soon come out of hibernation.
Mid-fall is a crucial time to ensure your home is prepared for the remainder of the season. If necessary, hire a professional home inspector or schedule an appliance service call. Tackling these tasks now not only protects your investment, but also lets you enjoy the unique pleasures of autumn worry-free. Happy maintaining!
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