It’s time for fall home maintenance! I am watching the leaves fall and blanket my yard as I sit outside enjoying my favorite season. Looking a little more closely I see the leaves hanging out of my gutters along with some loose brackets. It’s a reminder that our seasonal rituals of decorating for Halloween and/or Thanksgiving should also include a checklist of annual preventative maintenance. If we take time to decorate surely we can prioritize keeping our homes in good shape. See the helpful checklist below for suggestions and be sure to check out our list of recommended vendors.

Gutters & Downspouts

One of the best ways to prevent wood rot is taking care of your gutters!

• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly during the fall to prevent the build up of falling leaves - neglected gutters lead to wood rot

• Be sure water is not coming down behind the gutters or leaking through unsealed nail holes

• Ensure support brackets are in place

• Ensure that water is draining properly to keep it from pooling around the foundation of your home - add downspout extensions as necessary

HEating systems

Check your heating system(s) before you need it to keep your home warm and energy-efficient in the winter

• Consider enrolling in a HVAC maintenance contract with your preferred local HVAC company to check and clean and your heating & air systems twice a year

• If you don’t want t enroll in a maintenance contract have a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs

• Replace the air filter in your furnace

• Call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney, this is very important for preventing dangerous chimney fires

windows & doors

• Remove, clean and store window screens; install storm windows if you have them

• Have your windows cleaned

• Check weather stripping around doors and caulking around windows, update/repair as needed to prevent drafts and lower heating bills

Landscape & yardwork

Did you know that fall and early winter are the best times to plant trees and shrubs in the southeast?

• Prune trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth

• View/Download these fall landscaping tips from UGA

• Trim tree limbs away from your home and power lines

We also have a handy monthly Home Maintenance List if you would like to print it out and put it somewhere to remind yourself to check on a few things each month to keep it manageable. I use an electronic to do list and have things like “replace air filters” scheduled periodically throughout the year. Whatever method works best for you, keeping on top of home maintenance will save you time and money in the long run!