Fall brings not only cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced treats, but also a list of essential home maintenance tasks. Proper home maintenance can ensure your comfort and help prevent costly repairs down the line. Follow our tips below to learn more about ways to Clean and Refresh, take Preventative Measures and complete essential Seasonal Maintenance. Check out these Fall preparation tips as part of our Home Ownership series!
Clean and Refresh
Just like you deep clean in the spring, you should also refresh your living space in the fall. Follow the tips below to get your home ready for the new season.
1. Declutter Your Garage, Attic, And Storage Closets
As you put away your summer essentials, take some time to declutter your storage spaces. Donate or discard items you no longer need and organize the rest. An organized space will make it much easier to find things next time you need them.
2. Pressure Wash Your Home
Pressure washing the exterior of your home, such as the deck, driveway, and home’s siding, can remove summer grime and get your home ready for colder temperatures.
3. Clean out your gutters
Remove any leaves, dirt and debris from your gutters that built up over the summer. Clogged gutters can potentially cause leaks and roof damage if the water gets frozen in the drains.
4. Examine your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection. Make sure your fireplace is in working order for those chilly nights ahead.
5. Refresh Indoor Lighting
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, your indoor lighting will start to be used much more often. Consider replacing your lightbulbs with LED lights that are both energy and cost efficient. There are many LED lights that offer a diverse range of colors to help create the ambiance you’re looking for in your home. Changing lights and creating a new look and feel to your home is a great way to welcome fall and winter.
Preventative Measures
These preventative measures can help you save on energy costs, potential home damage, and unwanted pests, ensuring you are ready for a cozy fall season.
6. Tune Up HVAC And Furnace
Before the temperatures drop, have your HVAC and furnace inspected and tuned up.
7. Observe Your Windows
Make your home energy-efficient by sealing any gaps or cracks around your windows and doors. This will keep warm air in and cold air out!
8. Inspect Your Roof
Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. As hurricane season comes to a close, now is a great time to review your roof for any potential damage or rain intrusion from recent storms. Addressing roof issues now can prevent leaks during fall rains and winter snowfall.
9. Evaluate Your Fire Extinguisher
Make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly and easily accessible. It’s a small but important safety measure that can make a big difference in an emergency.
10. Treat Your Home For Pests
As the weather changes, animals will seek warmth and food, oftentimes in areas of your home, such as the garage, basement and attic. Be prepared by having a professional inspect and treat your home for pests before they become a problem.
Seasonal Maintenance
Each season brings about changes to our routines and habits, as well as ways to keep our home and garden looking their best. Follow our tips below to ensure you are maximizing your energy efficiency and taking care of the inside and outside of your home!
11. Reverse Fan Direction
Your ceiling fan should turn clockwise in the fall and winter. This will move the warm air that is trapped near the ceiling down and into the room, allowing you to lower your thermostat. Keep the fan on a low speed for consistent airflow.
12. Change Batteries
Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means you might be spending more time cooking large meals. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be prepared. An easy way to remember this task is to change the batteries when daylight saving time begins and ends each year.
13. Change HVAC Air Filters
Your filters should be changed to establish clean and efficient air circulation. This will also improve your air quality.
14. Trim Your Trees
Trim your trees and prune your plants, keeping them at least 3 feet away from your house. This will prevent moisture from dripping onto your roof and reduce the risk of damage during storms.
15. Fertilize Your Lawn
Late fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn. This will promote healthy root growth and lead to a greener lawn in the spring. Before fertilizing your lawn, check with your local areas for any restrictions or regulations regarding fertilizer.
By following these guidelines for cleaning, preventative measures and seasonal maintenance, you can rest assured your home is ready for the fall season. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home in tip top shape. Regular upkeep not only contributes to the longevity of your home but also to a more energy-efficient living space. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite playlist and get to work – your home will thank you!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out more of FBC’s Home Ownership tips on our blog:
- Protect Your Home With These Fall Safety Tips
- Your Ultimate Home Spring Cleaning Checklist
- 22 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Summer
If you haven’t purchased a home yet and would like to get started on the process, contact us! We would love to help you get started on your home buying journey. Our experienced Loan Officers are here to answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose FBC Mortgage?
FBC Mortgage, LLC is a leader in helping home buyers with fast and simple loans. We’re dedicated to exceptional customer service and are always available when you need us most, even at night and on the weekend. We’ll help you navigate your new home purchase, and keep you updated along the way with weekly check ins, so you know you’re taken care of. That’s one of the many reasons why 95% of our clients would recommend us to their friends and family. It’s also why the nation’s top home builders and Realtors trust FBC to help their new home buyers.
Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Understanding mortgages and the home buying process can help make it less stressful, and so can partnering with a mortgage lender you can trust. At FBC Mortgage, LLC, we’re dedicated to helping home buyers finance their dream home.
All information presented is for educational purposes only and not intended as financial advice. FBC Mortgage, LLC is a national mortgage lender headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Specializing in residential mortgage lending, including purchase, refinance, construction, and renovation loans. See what our clients have to say. NMLS#152859 EHL ©2023.
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