Even though it doesn’t feel like fall right now, the kids are returning to school, and it’s time that we start preparing for autumn. So we’re talking fall home maintenance tips. After all, you generally build a plane before you take off, recent events notwithstanding. Inspecting your home and making adjustments now can mean avoiding costly repairs down the line.
So in August, before the weather changes, Detail View Home Inspections is giving you our top Fall Home Maintenance Tips to keep your home safe all season.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain – Check Your Gutters
In Southwest Virginia, weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable, but rainfall generally increases in the autumn. That means if you don’t check for leaks and breaks in your gutters and roof now, you may find out the hard way when your home floods during a hard rain in September or October!
Check for leaks and ensure that the downspouts are still correctly pointed away from the house. While fall is the traditional time to clean out debris, go ahead and do a quick check for it now while you’re at it.
Air – HVAC Maintenance
With the change in weather, your heating and cooling needs will also differ in the fall. So, another of our fall home maintenance tips is to get your HVAC system serviced, especially if you didn’t do it before the summer.
If you have serviced your HVAC system recently, just check your filters and replace them if necessary. If you have a furnace, get it a tune-up.
And remember, once the weather gets cold, you should reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they can better circulate warm air. That will help you save money on your heating costs!
Fire
It’s not that fall is the best time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s just that there’s never a bad time for it! The US Fire Administration recommends checking your smoke detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every one to two years.
Carbon monoxide has the same testing recommendation, but you should replace batteries every six months.
Do you have a fireplace and chimney? Now is the time to check those too. Remove any obstructions and clean out the chimney if necessary.
Everyone Knows It’s Windy
Of course, your HVAC system has to work twice as hard if your home is not sealed correctly. So, if you haven’t done it recently, take some time to look around your doors and windows. Check for gaps and caulk or replace weather stripping where needed.
Did you know you should replace weather stripping every 1-3 years? Caulk can last up to 10 but may need replacement every 3 to 5 years. Check it annually.
Another Brick in the Wall?
Now is also an excellent time to check your home’s exterior. You don’t want to have to fix an exterior wall in the winter, so see if you have any cracks, especially in your foundation. Also, ensure your siding doesn’t need repairs.
That Smell
Another of our fall home maintenance tips is to check for damage caused by summer. Specifically, we’re referring to mold. Summer is the worst time for mold growth because of the combination of heat and humidity.
Look in the attic and basement for mold growth, and if you have any, treat it before it becomes a bigger problem!
Why Fall Home Maintenance Tips from a Home Inspector?
Our fall home maintenance tips might not seem like the most relevant subject matter for a home inspector, but at Detail View, we always say that our goal is to make sure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare. While that’s typically before you purchase a home, the fall home maintenance tips will help keep your home a dream and give us inspectors less to point out when you eventually sell it again.
