Werner Straube Photography
1.
Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and water in your basement.
Gutters also more prone to rust and corrosion when clogged.
Credit:Werner Straube Photography
Seal up air leaks.
A home withair leaks around windowsand doors is like a coat left unbuttoned.
Weatherstripping is easily the most cost-effective waytorein in heating and cooling costs.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round.
Because weatherstripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically.
If the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn’t properly sealing the opening.
If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.
Seal any gapswith a suitable caulk.
If drafts around windows persist, consider getting your windows replaced.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Kim Cornelison
3.
Few homeowner problems are more vexingthan a leaky roof.
Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.
Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary.
Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage.
Look for damage tometal flashing in valleysand around vents and chimneys.
Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles.
Finally, confirm your gutters are flowing freely.
Protect faucets from freezing temperatures.
Freshen your furnace filter.
Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise bedistributed throughout your home.
Disposable filters can be vacuumed once before replacement.
Foam filters can also be vacuumed, but they don’t need to be replaced unless they’re damaged.
Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner.
If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.
Give your furnace a checkup.
Once a year, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional.
To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins.
Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:
7.
Even if you only occasionally use your fireplace, you should check it annually for damage and hazards.
First, inspect the flue for creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood.
Too much accumulation in a flue or chimney can result in a devastating fire.
Get yourchimney inspected annuallyfor creosote buildup.
For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep.
These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney professional.
Additionally, check your chimney for damage or flue blockages.
Ensure the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place.
If you don’t have a cap, look up the flue to ensure that there are no obstructions.
Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints.
If access is a problem, use binoculars.
Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.
Keep the humidifier humming.
Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.
Ward off gas problems.
Keep wood fires burning brightly.
Fixing issues in the fall is also critical to preventing little cracks from becoming expensive headaches.
Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps.
Check for disintegration of asphalt or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths.
Most small jobs are well within the ability of a DIYer, but save major repairs for experienced hands.
12. Review safety features.
At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home’s safety features.
This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan.
Use these steps to complete ahome safetycheck:
13.
Prep your lawn for winter.
Raking leaves and aerating will prevent your lawn and garden beds from suffocating.
Touch up exterior paint.
Fall is an ideal time toclean your carpets.
The humid days of summer have passed, but the below-freezing days of winter have yet to arrive.
It’s the best time to open windows for ventilation, which should speed the drying process.
If you’re not comfortable operating a carpet cleaning machine, let a professional wrangle the bulky cleaning equipment.
