Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
There is a certain crisp in the air and the leaves are about to change color…fall is upon us! As a home owner seasonal maintenance is key to keep your new Burkentine home in tip-top shape. Before the weather becomes colder it’s important to prepare your home for winter with these preventative measures and make sure those snow removal tools are ready to go.
Heating systems
- Inspect and/or change out HVAC filters
- Have fireplace professionally inspected and check for blockages
- Get your furnace serviced
Windows and doors
- Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors
- Inspect exterior door hardware or any loose windows
- Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and lower heating bills
Outside landscape and yardwork
- Clean gutters and downspouts to remove leaves and other debris
- Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth
- Trim any tree limbs that are close to the house or power lines, especially if snow or ice will cause them to break and fall
- Drain the fuel from all gas-operated yard equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws
Plumbing
- Remove shower heads and clean out sediment
- To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated
- Drain exterior plumbing, store hoses, drain in-ground sprinkling systems
Home safety devices
- Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed
- Check and replace lightbulbs, flashlights and expired items in your First Aid Kits and Emergency Kits
Deep clean your home
- Clean the dryer vents so the lint that has built up does not ignite
- Clean the kitchen by scrubbing down large and small appliances, light fixtures and garbage bins
- Check and replace expired food in your refrigerator and pantry
- Vacuum and clean the carpet