Don't Skip These 6 Fall Maintenance Tasks

Your home is a huge investment — an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul.

That means proper maintenance is key. Completing a few seasonal chores can help you extend the life span of your home while also cutting down on repair and renovation costs.

Want to make sure you’re keeping your home in tiptop condition? Then don’t skip these five must-do fall maintenance tasks: 

Check for (and seal) air leaks around windows and doors. Leaks in these areas can make it hard to control your home’s climate and, as winter approaches, that could mean sky-high heating and gas bills. It could also make your home pretty uncomfortable year-round.

Clean out the gutters. When gutters get clogged with leaves and debris, water can’t drain properly. This might lead to standing water on your roof or eaves, which can cause significant and costly damage over time.

Inspect your roof. At the very least, your roof needs an annual inspection.At the same time look at the roof also. Check for missing shingles and worn sealant around flashing.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many people don’t realize smoke detectors have a useful life. Make sure to check annually to see when they should be replaced. For most models they should be replaced after 10 years. Make sure to test the batteries also. Batteries will usually need to be replaced every six months to a year.

Have your furnace inspected. If you heat your home with a gas-powered furnace, you’ll want the unit inspected at least once per year. Furnaces can pose serious fire and safety hazards if they’re not functioning properly. If you have boller heat clean and dust the registers.

Check and clean the exterior vents.  Make sure the dryer vents are clean and covered. The last thing you want is to have critters crawling in when they are looking for a warm spot to nest over the winter. Make sure the sealant is not worn around these vents. If your kitchen and bath vent out the side of the home, check those as well!

It won’t take long to check these tasks off your list, and the payoff is well worth the effort.

Considering buying a new home? Have questions about your home’s value? Get in touch today.