As we head into fall, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the colder months to come. Proper maintenance will not only ensure that your home is better protected from damage, but also provide your family with a warm and safe indoor environment when it’s freezing outside.
If you’re wondering where to start, below are some of the things experts recommend doing during the fall months.
Service your furnace
Your home’s furnace will need to work hard when the temperature begins to drop. Have it looked at by a professional to confirm it’s working efficiently and to help extend its lifespan. It’s a good idea to replace the furnace filter at the beginning of the heating season, and every one to three months afterwards to protect your system and ensure better air quality indoors. For more information, consult your user manual or talk to your builder.
You should also inspect the furnace exhaust vent on the outside of your home to see that it’s not clogged with debris such as dirt and leaves – a blocked exhaust can lead to poorer furnace performance and dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
Inspect your roof and eavestroughs
A roof and exterior drainage system in good working order keeps water out of your home when rooftop snow melts. Consider hiring a professional roofing company to determine that shingles and flashing are all in place and properly sealed. Inspect eavestroughs for damage and remove leaves and other debris that may cause blockages. At ground level, check your downspouts to ensure they direct water away from foundation walls.
Check sealing around windows and doors
Proper sealing helps to keep cold air and water out. Gaps in your windows and doors can also cause warm indoor air to escape, making your home less efficient and increasing your energy costs. Take time to inspect the seals around your windows and doors for cracks, gaps, or other damage and repair accordingly.
Clean and inspect your chimney
If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, make sure it’s ready for winter before you start using it. It is highly recommended that you have your chimney cleaned annually to remove soot and other debris that could ignite and lead to fires.
You should also check for cracks, loose bricks, or other kinds of deterioration. Keep in mind that your new home warranty may cover some of these issues, so contact your builder if you notice any damage.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
While they are a critical part of home safety all year round, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are even more important during winter when windows are shut and the heating is on, since there’s less air circulating. Take a few minutes to test them and, if necessary, replace their batteries.
Tarion’s fall home maintenance checklist
Looking for more ways to take care of your home this fall? Our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist breaks down tasks by the month, so that by the time winter comes your home will be ready for it.