Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Indoors:
- Windows and doors: Prevent chilly drafts (and pricey heating bills) by checking and replacing any worn weather stripping and caulking any cracks. For loose-fitting doors, slide a draft guard or rolled-up towel underneath to fill the gap. Drapes, curtains, shades and blinds can also help reduce heat loss, according to energy.gov. For your chimney, floors, vents and more, these tips can keep cold air out of your house.
- Fireplace: Check your fireplace and flue system to remove soot or ashes. Check for cracks that could be a fire hazard. If you’re not planning on using your fireplace at all, invest in a chimney balloon, which is a device designed to safely block the opening. (Just remember to take it out before you build a fire next season.) Most importantly, know what fixes are safe for you to tackle and what should be in the hands of a certified chimney sweep with training and proper equipment. Whether this is your first year or fifth year with your chimney, you might need an inspection. Read this guide on chimney inspections.
- Furnace: Before you turn up the heat for the season, start by changing (or cleaning) your furnace filter. (Not sure how to change your furnace filter? Check out these tips.) It’s also a good idea to have an HVAC professional check your furnace once per year. And if you can’t remember the last time you had your heating ducts checked for leaks and efficiency, an HVAC professional can help with that, too.
- Thermostat: For every degree you lower your home’s temperature during the winter, you can save as much as 1%on your energy bill (according to the U.S. Department of Energy). If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a smart model to save on heating costs. Many new thermostats have algorithms to learn your comings and goings so you’re not paying to keep your home toasty warm when you’re not around. Read these additional energy-saving tips for when the cold weather hits.
- Other home heating: We know they’re cozy but be extra cautious when using space heaters. Space heaters cause an estimated 44% of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of how you heat your home, read these tips on using home heating sources safely.
- Drafts and cracks: Cold air will take advantage of any opportunity to sneak into your home. Here’s a list of quick fixes for drafty places:
- Outlets and switch plates: Use foam-insulating sheets to block cold air coming in from exterior walls.
- Exposed ducts: Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces and use sealant to plug up any leaks or cracks on exposed ducts.
- Floors: Don’t underestimate the power of a thick, cozy rug. Your floors can account for as much as 10% of heat loss in a house.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: While you’re in the process of prepping your house for the long winter, check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Also, with the increased risk of fire in winter, it’s important to have a family escape plan. You can create a family fire escape plan using these seven tips.
Outdoors:
- Gutters: Clogged gutters, and subsequent water issues, can cause a lot of problems, like foundation problems, wall and ceiling damage, or even insect infestations. (Read more in our related post about what can happen if you don’t clean your gutters.) Start by clearing debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent them from leaking or sagging. Just make sure you do it safely – use a tall, sturdy ladder (check out our guide to picking the best ladder for your DIY job), and don’t forget protective eyewear, gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself against debris, bacteria and pests.
- Roof: Snow can be a heavy burden for an old or damaged roof to handle. Before winter hits, inspect your roof for signs of potential problems, like missing, broken, blistered or curling shingles; cracked caulk or rust spots; or large patches of moss and lichen. Any damaged, loose or missing shingles should be repaired right away.
- Trees and landscaping: It’s a good idea to trim any branches hanging near electric wires before they become a problem. Also, know how to spot the signs of a diseased or dying tree. Heavy snow and strong winter winds can knock down weak branches (or whole trees), so it’s best to do the prep work while the weather’s still mild.
- Lawn equipment: Drain the oil and gas from your mower before storing it for the off-season. Gasoline can separate and spoil in only a few weeks, which could potentially damage your engine.
- Snow removal supplies: Before the first snow, you’ll be glad you thought ahead and bought supplies early. Inspect the bolts, belts and parts on your snowblower; make sure your snow shovel is in good shape; stock up on ice melt or sand; and invest in a snow rake to help clear your roof. Snow accumulation on your roof that exceeds 20 pounds per square foot can be dangerous.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Keep Up With Your Life?
From weekend projects to major renovations, you’ve worked hard (and invested a lot) to make your house a home. That’s why you deserve homeowners insurance from a company you trust to protect it. Want a customized quote? Talk to your local Erie Insurance agent.
There’s no denying it: Winter is on its way.
Winterizing your home can help lower your energy bills, prevent bigger more costly repairs later on and reduce the risk of accidents like a home heating fire. (Side note: That’s why having the right homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind, too.)
Ready? Keep reading to walk through the big list of projects to tackle this fall, or download our free PDF printable on how to winterize your home.
