Home Ownership: Fall Maintenance Essentials

Fall is a season where you’re finishing up summer home maintenance tasks and getting your home ready for winter.

• Flush hot water heater and remove sediment – this prolongs the life of the heater and helps with efficiency.
• Winterize air conditioning systems:
  • Remove and store window units. Central air – cover outside unit with tarp and secure with bungee cords.
• Getting heating system ready for winter:
  • Check for any leaks in windows or doors.
  • Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked.
  • Get furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually.
  • Don’t forget fireplaces if you have them.
• Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets
  • Also flush hoses and store them
  • Winterize sprinkler systems if you have one
• Get chimney cleaned – can be done in spring or fall just make sure it’s done annually.
• Test sump pump – don’t wait until you need it to find out if it’s working or not.
• Check driveway/pavement for cracks – make sure to have it re-sealed before winter.
  • Water can freeze and expand in the cracks, causing more damage.
• Buy winter gear
  • Have salt, good shovels, etc. ready for winter.

Contact us for a Home Maintenance Checklist.