As the season changes, how you can best protect your home from rain, snow, and other inclement weather. Home Maintenance does not have to be difficult- here are five tips that will help secure your investment and allow you to enjoy home ownership!
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
September
- Exterior finishes like paint, siding, and stucco can break down over time. Check for these signs of damage: peeling paint, loose siding panels, or cracks in surfaces.
- Every few months, it’s a good idea to go into your garage and check that the tracks for your door are clear of any obstructions and that the bearings are well-lubricated.
- Check windows and doors for air and water leaks by examining the caulking.
- Sow the lawn
- It’s important to inspect your fireplace and chimney dampers regularly, and clean them if necessary.
- Check your basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture.Have humidifier, furnace and (heat recovery ventilator) HRV serviced
- Clean and test clothes dryer vent
- To ensure your safety, please check and reset the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Make sure to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. This will help ensure that they are working properly in case of an emergency.
October
- Inspect your windows and screens for any cracks or separations.
- To ensure your exterior water lines don’t freeze and cause costly damage, be sure to drain them before the temperature drops.
- Be sure to check your roof for any problems, including loose shingles or flashing, and make sure that all vents are properly sealed.
- Inspect your weather stripping for any rips or tears.
- Inspect caulking around windows and doors for cracks or gaps.
- Test septic system to ensure it is clean and functioning properly.
- It’s important to take care of your landscaping in the winter, and one of the best ways to do that is by removing leaves. This will help ensure that your plants are healthy and happy when spring arrives.
- Depending on the type of furnace filter you have, either clean or replace it.
- Each winter, make sure to check and clean your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) as well as wash or replace its filter.
- Flush your water heater to get rid of any sediment that might have built up.
- Go to your water main and shut off the valve that provides water to your home from the municipal supply.
- Check your gutters and downspouts for leaves, sticks, or any other debris.
- Clean the humidifier to prevent condensation and check that the humidity levels are where they should be.
- Make sure to check and reset your ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) regularly. This will help keep you and your family safe from electrical shocks.
- Be sure to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors often.
November
- Be sure to check your attic, basement and any crawl spaces for leaks or moisture.
- Check floor drains to ensure there is water in the trap.
- Check and see if your furnace filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
- Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); every three months, wash or replace the filter;
- Check for any build-up of condensation or humidity.
- To ensure your safety, please check and reset the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- It’s important to regularly test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.