Preventive Home Maintenance Tasks to Prepare for Fall

Most people associate the fall season with football games, leaf peeping, and apple picking. However, amidst all of the festive fall fun, you would be wise to set aside some time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Here are six fall preparation tasks to complete around your house in the weeks ahead.

Clear Those Gutters

The summer season comes with a buildup of leaves and other debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters are often responsible for the formation of ice dams in the colder months. These dams then prevent the natural drainage of the gutter from working, raising the risk of leaks within the house. Clearing out the gutters when the calendar flips from summer to fall will help you get ahead of the falling leaves later in the season.

Illuminate the Outside of the Home

You have probably already noticed that the days are getting shorter. This trend will continue until the winter solstice in December. With shorter days come longer nights, making it important to ensure that your home is properly illuminated. Not only will lights around the perimeter of the home prevent falls, but they will also deter crime. Consider purchasing LED and energy-saving lightbulbs to conserve energy.

Inspect the Heating System

It will not be long before you need to fire up your home's heating unit. The beginning of the fall season is a good time to dust off all heating vents and clean the filters in your system. You may also want to consider scheduling a heating system check-up to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Clear the Fireplace

While you are inspecting your heating system, be sure to clear out your wood-burning fireplace. You will want ot start the winter season with a fireplace that is free of debris and leftover ash. It is a good idea to have a professional inspect the chimney and damper.

Homeowners using gas fireplaces will want to make sure that the pilot light is working properly. Do not wait until the first cold night of the season to fire up the fireplace for the first time.

Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

This is also the time of the year when the arrival of cooler air can expose drafts in a home. You can guard against these drafts bringing up your first heating bill by checking all windows and doors for openings. Take this opportunity to repair broken seals or caulk around open spots in these openings. An alternative idea is to hang heavier drapes across windows prone to drafts to contain the influx of chilly air trying to sneak into the house.

Put Summer Items Into Storage

You will thank yourself next spring if you take the time and care to stow away summer accessories properly. Covering grills, unhooking and storing outdoor hoses, bringing in patio furniture cushions, and more are all good tasks to put on your list of things to do in the near future.

Prioritize Weed Control, Overseeding, and Fertilization

Savvy gardeners understand the importance of fall fertilization. Fertilizing in the fall promotes deeper root growth during the winter. It is recommended to use a fertilizer with a high level of potassium during the early to mid-fall months. You will want to do this prior to the first frost for optimal results.

Experts also advise overseeding during the early part of the fall. The cooler temperatures and increased levels of moisture translate to ideal weather for new seeds to germinate. Overseeding after aerating your lawn will yield the best outcome.

While you are out in the yard, be sure to prioritize weed control. The fall is the best time to weed out perennial plants such as clover and dandelions. Because these weeds tend to move crucial nutrients to the roots in advance of the winter season, they are also more open to absorbing herbicides.

A little work now will save you a good deal of headaches later in the year. Performing these preventive maintenance tasks will ensure that your home is ready to withstand the winter elements.

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