Fall Home Maintenance – Rose Backlin

on October 14, 2019

1. Change your air filters

Replace the furnace air filter throughout your home. You can search HVAC companies in your area. A lot of these companies will come to your home for a fee clean and service your unit.

How To Properly Insert a Furnace Filter

2. Clear out rain gutters & down spouts

Clean gutters, downspouts, and clear blockages can prevent water damage to your home. This is the a leading cause of water damage. The water gets blocked and causes damage to the exterior landscape, building, and flooding can occur as a result.

You can do this your self, hire a professional, or even possible ask a local teenager to assist you.

3. Check Fire Extinguisher and Safety Kit

Did you know that October is fire safety month? This is a great time to have a plan and have the conversation with your family on what to do if something happens.

The first thing is to ensure your fire extinguisher works if you have one. If you do not have one then this is a great time to get one or a few. If you don’t know how to use it or are unsure of it, stop by your local fire department and they will be happy to help you.

4. Clean out dryer lint

Dryer fires account for 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss according to US Fire Administration. They also say more home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

5. Clean your fireplace

Birds and multiple other small animals love to nest in your fireplace when it is not in use. Make sure it is clean of debris inside and have a chimney sweep come in to clean the chimney. This small act can protect your from a fire or even a carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Winterize your sprinkler system

Winterizing before freezing temperatures arrive can keep you from having damage later on. Winterizing basics are removing the water from your sprinkler system pipes, water hose, and any other pipes that might freeze.

If you have a home that you don’t use in the winter you might consider having a plumber come winterize the whole property.

7. Seal your outdoor surface areas

Small gaps and cracks on your exterior can impact both your heating bill and cause water damage. (Snow/ice melts) By using the right sealant this can save you hundreds of dollars later on.

8. Clean & Protect outdoor furniture

Wash and protect the furniture you are so proud of relaxing on during the summer time. Don’t forget your grills, pillows, and other outside items. Wash off with soap and water, dry, and protect in storage or with a covering.