Fall is here and with it comes falling leaves, pumpkin carving and cooler weather. As a homeowner, it also means cleaning the leaves out of your gutters and preparing your home for the cold winter weather ahead. Check out this Fall Home Maintenance handy checklist from our friends at Travelers Insurance to help you prepare your home this fall for the coming winter:
- Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
- Replace your furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
- Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
- Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
- Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.
- Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure you have a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area and also, a smoke detector in the hallway outside each sleeping area. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.
The steps you take during the fall can help protect your home and property from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.
