The Most Important Fall Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home In Great Shape

This article is a guest post kindly written by Paul Denikin

Staying on top of your to-do list can feel like an endless chore.  If you let things go it can lead to lowered energy efficiency and costly repairs.  Use these tips to simplify fall home maintenance.

Replace furnace filters.  The experts at Dummies explain that furnace air filters trap allergens and dirt.  Replacing the filters routinely helps your unit run more efficiently and extends its life.  Here is how to perform this easy but important task:

1. Locate the compartment in your furnace where the filter is housed.
2. Remove the used filter, noting the direction of the arrow on the filter.  Disposable filters have cardboard frames.  If your filter has another frame it is reusable and can be cleaned.  
3. Replace the disposable filter with a new one.  Ensure it is facing the same direction as the one you removed...

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Furnace service.  Fall is also a great time to have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional technician.  Angie’s List recommends having any repairs or maintenance performed before colder weather arrives to avoid any disruptions in your comfort, if problems should arise.  

Seal drafts.  According to some experts, you should check around windows and doors for gaps and cracks.  Seal air leaks with caulking to help your home be more energy efficient and reduce drafts.  Installing heavier window treatments can also help insulate window areas.

Clean gutters.  Clear leaves, dirt and other debris from gutters, downspouts and the surface of your roof. Inspect for damage and make repairs.  While you’re at it, check the flashing around your chimney for signs of damage or wear.  Make repairs now to prevent leaks. 

Prepare your fireplace.  Remove old ashes.  Ensure the damper handle and flue are functioning properly.  Hire a professional chimney sweep if your chimney needs cleaning.    

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  It’s important to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.  These little devices could save your life.  Here is how some experts recommend you maintain them:

• Test each unit at least once every month by pressing the “test” button.
• Check batteries every six months and change them annually.  When changing batteries replace all the batteries in each unit.
• Vacuum dust that has accumulated in each unit.  
• Never paint your detectors.
• Install a detector on each level of your home and near each bedroom.
• Do not install smoke detectors near windows; drafts can interfere with performance.

Drain your water heater.  If your home has hard water you should drain your water heater to remove sediment.  Allowing minerals and rust to build up will lower efficiency and shorten the tank’s life expectancy.  

Prevent frozen pipes.  If your pipes freeze and burst it can mean costly repairs to your home.  According to the professionals at This Old House here is how to prevent pipes from freezing:

• Shut off water to outdoor spigots and drain residual water.  
• Cover exposed pipes with foam insulation.  You can purchase this insulation in long strips and cut it to size.
• Attach heating cable to pipes that need extra heat.  Use wire ties to secure the cable.
• During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to flow around pipes.
• Allow faucets to trickle on extremely frigid days.

Repair outdoor walkways.  The experts at Better Homes and Gardens suggest fall is a prime time to inspect your outdoor walkways.  Look for damage and wear.  Make repairs now to prevent accidents occurring when winter snow and ice sets in.

Your fall to-do list is ready.  Work your way through these fall maintenance chores to save on energy use and prevent costly repairs.  These simple tips will keep you on task and have your home ready for colder weather.


Paul Denikin enjoys sharing tips and advice on DIY projects on his site DadKnowsDIY.com He is passionate about sharing his experiences working on DIY projects to benefit people with special needs children.