Autumn is the perfect time for homeowners to finish up their to-do lists before the weather grows colder. It’s important to prepare for the winter months to prevent costly damage. Below are the top 9 fall preventative home maintenance tasks that every homeowner should follow.
Check your foundation for cracks. Inspect exterior walls to see if paint is peeling or blistering. Make sure your roof is in good shape. Look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately.
Clogged rain gutters can cause ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and gunk. Make sure gutters aren’t sagging and trapping water; tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets. Replace any worn or damaged gutters and downspouts. Make sure water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Check that the gutters are securely in place.
Replace the filter in your furnace. Consider having your system inspected by a licensed heating contractor. A furnace inspection will ensure that your system is ready to operate safely and efficiently for the upcoming cold weather.
Check for any draft issues. To check, close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, you need to update your weatherstripping. Sealing leaks around your doors and windows will also help prevent cold air penetration during the winter months. Other energy-saving tips include cleaning your ducts. You may want to consider a duct sealing service to further improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Once a year, you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. Since you’re already testing everything else out, you might as well add this on.
If you have any winter equipment, like a snowblower, make sure it’s working properly and ready for the winter season.
Check to make sure your indoor and outdoor faucets are not dripping or leaking. Flush your water heater, as it has to work harder during the winter months. By flushing your water heater, you’ll remove any sediment buildup, which can cause corrosion, shorten the lifespan of the water heater, and reduce its heating efficiency. Inspect and clean your sump pump. Sump pumps should be checked and cleaned annually.
One of the worst things that can happen to you during a cold winter is frozen pipes. Check to make sure you insulate your pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces.
Get a complete car inspection during the fall. Summer travel can take a toll on your car, so it’s best to make sure it’s in tip-top shape before snow and ice are covering the roads.
If you need help with any of the items mentioned above, feel free to contact us! Williams Comfort Air is open and ready to assist you with your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Our NATE-certified technicians use their knowledge and skill to deliver enhanced comfort and energy efficiency from your heating and cooling systems.