Fall Home Maintenance Tips: Get Your Home Ready for the Season

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, fall is the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months ahead. A little maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient all season long.

Here are some essential tips for fall home maintenance:

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Falling leaves may be beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, roof issues, and even foundation problems.

✅ Tip: Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce buildup.

Check Your Heating System

Before the cold sets in, test your furnace or heating system to make sure it’s working efficiently.

✅ Tip: Change the furnace filter, clean vents, and consider scheduling a professional inspection. It’s better to catch problems now than during a freezing night in January.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Drafts around windows and doors can drive up heating costs and make your home uncomfortable.

✅ Tip: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. Check around windows, doors, and even baseboards. Don’t forget to inspect your attic and basement.

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

Once the weather turns, outdoor furniture and grills are vulnerable to the elements.

✅ Tip: Clean and cover or store items in a shed or garage. This will help extend their life and keep them looking good for next year.

Prep Your Fireplace and Chimney

There’s nothing like a cozy fire in the fall—but make sure it’s safe.

✅ Tip: Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. Remove ash buildup and check that the damper works properly.

Test Safety Devices

Fall is a great time to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

✅ Tip: Replace batteries and test all alarms. With increased furnace use and closed windows, safety is more important than ever.

Check the Roof

Before winter storms hit, inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles.

✅ Tip: Look for signs of wear and tear. If you’re not comfortable climbing up, hire a professional for a quick inspection.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Did you know your ceiling fans can help you stay warmer?

✅ Tip: Switch the fan direction to clockwise. This pushes warm air down and helps circulate heat more efficiently.

A little effort now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later. These fall home maintenance tips will not only help protect your home but also ensure you’re cozy and ready to enjoy the season to the fullest. Looking to buy or sell a home this season? I can help with that too ;)

Reach out with any questions to me with any questions at alley.buscemi@compass.com