Get Your Home Ready for Fall

It's that time of year once again--children are back to school, and from now on, the days will grow shorter and cooler. Yes, next week is the first day of fall! And with a new season comes a new reason to spend some extra time around the house preparing for the changing weather and making sure things continue to look their best. Whether you are preparing to sell your home, or are a homeowner just looking to keep things in tip-top shape, you can use this checklist to get the job done.

1. Garden Care. Water your gardens regularly from now until winter to prepare the roots for dormancy. Clear away dead foliage and after the first or second frost, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to serve as a blanket during the long winter. As you clear away the crud, be careful not to put any weeds that have gone to seed in your compost pile (if you have one) otherwise you'll end up with weeds everywhere you spread it later.
2. Start at the Top. Check the roof for wear and tear (or pay a professional). Look for missing or damaged shingles and also check the underside of the roof for water stains, leaks, dampness and condensation.Some insurance companies will come out and check your roof for free anytime you think you might have hail or wind damage. Just call and ask to schedule an inspection. That way, you can avoid the ladder and having to pay a contractor.
3. Service Heating Equipment. The best time to have your furnace serviced is actually at the end of the heating season (off-season time means you can often get lower prices and more prompt service). But if you haven't already conducted annual maintenance and service, now is the time. Make sure your fireplace/chimney, and heating equipment are cleaned, serviced, and ready for the heating season. As a rule, you should service oil burning equipment and heat pumps annually, and service gas burning equipment every other year.
4. Restock Your Shed. You may not remember that you broke your good rake on a tree root last year until you go to grab it, and it's not there. So take inventory of your tools now and stock up so you aren't thrown off schedule later. Then, even before the first leaf falls, pick up leaf bags, rakes, and other autumn necessities. Not only will you be prepared and ready to go when the leaves start to pile up, but you'll also avoid the crowds and low inventory during peak seasonal shopping.
5. Allergen Control. As temperatures drop, windows get closed and often stay that way for many months. Protect your air quality by always beginning the heating season by changing the HVAC filter. Also, launder window treatments and comforters to reduce allergens, and vacuum furniture--don't forget to lift the cushions!
6. Pump, Flush & Winterize. Come mid-late fall, homeowners with lawn sprinklers will need to flush underground systems before cold sets in. Those with septic tanks should also think about pumping them now before the ground is frozen and covered with snow. Your septic tank should be professionally drained and cleaned every two years. And let's not forget about winterizing your pool!
7. Seal Windows. Check all weather stripping on windows and doors and ensure that your home is thoroughly sealed from the cooler outside air.
8. Heat Circulation. Switch all ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to help push warmer air down rather than lift it up and away as it did all summer.
9. Clear Gutters. Now's the time to grab your gloves and make sure gutters are clear. (You might even have leftover debris from last fall up there!) Clean gutters, leaders, strainers, window wells and drains. And be sure that downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
10. Relax by the Fire. One last thing you might consider is packing away some of your outdoor gear--but hang on to the fire pit and some chairs. Cooler temperatures bring a reduction in mosquitoes. So that means that with a few extra layers and a warm fire nearby, autumn is still a great time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. And after all these chores, you deserve it!

For more tips about maintaining your home this season, check out our Fall Maintenance Checklist.