Tips and Tricks for Fall Maintenance

With our busy lives making time for fall maintenance can be difficult. But as a homeowner it is important to keep up with maintenance as it keeps your house in top condition and prevents some avoidable and costly damage. All of which can translate in keeping your money in your pocket for more enjoyable activities.

Maintenance in the fall is essential as it allows you to winterize and store summer related items and prepare for winter’s harsh reality.  Many homeowners are hit with expensive damage that could have been prevented in the first place. Don’t let that happen to you! It can be a productive time for you to complete certain tasks that are better suited for its cooler days.

Now is a good time to look at your calendar and schedule some must-do projects over the next couple of months. Some projects may be DIY and some may call for a professional. You may even want to have annual contracts for some tasks such as HVAC, Chimney, pest control, etc.

Even if you live in a condo or COOP you should check out the list and see what items may pertain to you. You should check with your HOA or management company to verify which items fall on the homeowner.

Get Organized:

Don’t be daunted by the list of fall tasks below. It is longer than other seasons and not everything may pertain to your home. Stay organized and it won’t be too hard to handle.

We recommend you create a maintenance binder or if you are tech savvy downloading a maintenance app so you can schedule, record and track your repairs and upkeep. You’ll know what you need to do each month and how to budget for it. Depending on the app you may be able to set up alerts to remind you what is due.

Once you have a system in place you can keep track of repairs dates, costs, contractors, receipts, warranties, model numbers etc.

My fall To-Do List

You may want to customize my list for your own home and place it in your binder/app for fall maintenance.

1. Heating system – If you are not handy or comfortable with these maintenance steps always consult an experienced expert. Some companies offer annual contracts that include a fall/spring maintenance visit and 24-hour service if something goes bump in the middle of the winter.
   • Hot water radiators – Check your radiators to make sure they are warm especially near the top; you may need to bleed them (let air that is trapped out).  To do this you need to open the little valve at the top with a radiator key or a flat head screwdriver – depending on the type of valve you have. You will hear the air as it is released, and you should be prepared to catch any water that escapes with the air. Once you stop hearing the air escaping, close the valve. On to the next radiator.  Be aware that this could lower the pressure in your system requiring you to add more water at the boiler to bring it back up to where the system will work correctly. If your radiators are not getting hot after this, you may need to have the system professionally flushed. Gunk accumulates over time and can stop water flowing freely.
   • Steam Radiators – steam radiators have a vent – it can be a cone shaped or round valve attached to the radiator.  There is a small air vent that can get clogged by dust and debris or sometimes be painted over. You can clean the vent with a thin wire or a sewing needle. Sometimes a small paper clip will do the job.
   • Forced air systems – replace the furnace filters and make sure the humidifier is cleaned and working properly as well. Insulate ducts in cold spaces such as attics, basements or crawl spaces.
   • Air conditioners – If you have window units, remove them and store them for the winter
2. Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors – First, check the age of your detectors, smoke detectors are good for about 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors for about 7 years.  When you replace them write the date you installed them on the inside of the cover with a magic marker, so you know for next time. If they are still good, then put in fresh batteries.
3. Fireplace – Before you build that first fire,
   • inspect the chimney for blockages and a buildup of creosote,
   • check the damper is working freely
   • make sure the chimney cap is in place, check for loose bricks and mortar and get it repointed if necessary
   • Bring in a chimney company for cleaning and repairs if needed.
   • Check if the chimney is lined, even if you don’t have a fireplace, your furnace or water heater may be vented through it.
   • Buy firewood but store it away from the house as it can attract rodents and termites.
   • Consider converting your fireplace to gas. Natural looking logs are easier to use and more convenient that traditional wood burning fireplaces.
4. Ceiling fans – If you have them reverse the way the blades turn – hot air rises and reversing the blades will push the hot air back down.
5. Doors, Windows and Attic Fall is a great time to take care of these items so you can save on winter heating bills.
   • Add or replace weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep out drafts.
   • Caulk around windows where cold airs gets in.
   • Get a good storm door for your entrance.
   • Consider getting plastic shields to protect basement window wells, make sure you clean out leaves and debris especially if there are drains.
   • Insulate your attic and look at the benefits of cellulose insulation over fiberglass.
   • Give your windows one more thorough cleaning (it’s still warm enough to do this and have nice clean windows before winter hits).
6. Thermostat – Buy a programable thermostat so you can keep the temperature lower when you are not home or when you are sleeping. It will save you money! To prevent pipes from bursting never set your thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Home Exterior – keep small issues from mushrooming into larger issues
   • Gutters: Clean out gutters and downspouts make sure they are clear of leaves and debris. Depending on the number of trees around your home and where you live, you may need to tackle this more than once during the fall.
   • Blocked gutters can cause damage anytime of year but in the winter if the water or ice backs up under the roof shingles it can cause damage to the interior of your home.
   • If you have drains near doors, at the bottom of a sloped driveway, at the entrance to a basement door make sure they are clear of debris and leaves so you don’t get water in your home.
   • Make sure gutters are directed far enough away from the house so water doesn’t pool near the foundation
8. Roof, foundation etc.
   • Check the roof for damage or missing shingles, double check around vents and Chimneys to prevent leaks
   • Seal foundation cracks to keep rodents out
   • Drain outdoor faucets and winterize your sprinkler system to avoid burst pipes
   • Inspect your driveway and seal cracks to prevent winter damage.
9. Yard – while still enjoying your yard prep it for winter weather
   • Rake leaves regularly so you are not struggling to get it all done at the last minute, you want to be done before the first snow. Make sure you know the rules and regulations for your town or community for leaf pick-up schedules and requirements.
   • Remove and weed any dead plants, especially those summer and early fall annuals
   • Prune shrubs before they go dormant but check to make sure which shrubs should be pruned now and which after they bloom. Cut back perennials; divide and transplant as needed.
   • Aerate, fertilize, and seed your lawn in early fall.
   • Decide if you want to plant bulbs now for spring flowers, perennials eventually take less time and keep your yard looking nice.
   • Trim tree branches that hang too close to your home or electrical wires. You don’t want any surprises during a storm so hire a professional company to care for your trees and trim where necessary.
   • Garden hoses should be drained and stored inside
   • Clean and cover outdoor furniture or store it inside if you can
   • Winterize sensitive plants such as roses, stake shrubs or young trees
10. Power failures and Severe Weather
    • Buy and store flashlights, batteries, candles, and matches in easy-to-reach locations. Use battery operated candles if you have small children!
    • Keep extra water bottles, nonperishable food (for pets too!), blankets and necessary medications on hand.
    • Buy that snow shovel before it snows! Don’t forget bags of ice-melt (pet-friendly ones) and sand.
    • Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and put in your phone’s contact list and any alert apps/text services that your community provides.

Let me know if you have questions and if you need any suggestions for contractors that could help get your list of to-dos done. Email me at eileen@comehometowestchester.com