Taking care of your home involves adjusting to the changing seasons. Harsh winter weather can be hard on your home, but you can prepare by implementing some fall maintenance practices. The following are important things to do around the house every fall so that you stay comfortable and safe through even the most severe winter storms:

Maintaining your home’s exterior

• If you’ve been considering a new paint job, fall is a good time to paint the exterior of your home because of the lower humidity and cooler temperatures.
• Drain water out of your exterior pipes to prevent them from freezing when the temperature drops.
• Clearing debris out of your gutters and downspouts is important in the fall to prevent moisture from building up that could cause leaks.

Staying warm

• If you have a fireplace, you might want to have it inspected to ensure safety.
• Prepare your furnace or heater for winter by checking your filters and cleaning or replacing them as necessary.
• Inspect your insulation to make sure that it is not damaged and that it is installed properly.
• Have a look at your doors and windows. This is an area of your home that is susceptible to letting in cold air. Weatherstrip and caulk around your windows and doors if necessary to keep your home airtight and to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Around the yard

• You can prepare your garden for the winter by trimming away dead tree branches, removing dead annuals, attending to your perennials, and storing away garden tools for winter.
• Spread fertilizer and aerate. Fall is a great time of year to add nutrients to your yard that will seep down into the roots.
• Rake up fallen leaves. Raking leaves isn’t just about making your yard look more tidy. Leaves left on your yard can attract insects and other pests, and they can also suffocate your grass.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Throughout the year, you should regularly make sure that the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are still good. You rely on these detectors to keep your family safe, so they should receive the appropriate amount of attention.
• If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, get one. Carbon monoxide is a potentially fatal hazard in the home. The only way you’ll know that this odorless, invisible gas is present is if you have functioning detectors.

Some dedicated time and thoughtful planning can help make your home safer as we move into fall and winter. It can also help prevent the need for costly repairs.

If you’re looking for the right house to call your home this fall, contact the dedicated experts at Minteer Real Estate Team to help you find your next home.