With fall and winter just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to prepare your home for the upcoming cold season. Performing routine home maintenance can increase the longevity and value of your home. To help you prepare your property for the upcoming season, we’ve compiled a list of four home maintenance checklist items you should incorporate into your to-do list this autumn.

1. Seal Air Leaks

Take a walk around your home’s exterior, examining for cracks where air could escape or enter your property. Windows, door frames, and where wires and pipes enter your home are typical spots where holes and breaks develop. Not only do air leaks decrease heating and cooling efficiency, but openings in your home’s exterior also allow rainwater to enter. Water damage can be an expensive problem to fix, and valuables like family photos, videos, and heirlooms can be impossible to salvage.

To keep your home’s exterior looking consistent, use a tube of color-matched exterior caulk to patch up any holes. Repairing cracks and gaps helps to stop air leaks and prevent moisture buildup inside walls. Be sure to make sealing air leaks a top priority, as it is an inexpensive project that could save you even more money this fall.

2. Inspect Your Furnace

When the cold season hits, your furnace functions to keep your family warm, and comfortable all winter long. During that time, your furnace filter collects dust and debris floating in the air. To guarantee the furnace is running smoothly for this upcoming season, it’s imperative to have a heating and cooling expert inspect your heater to ensure it’s in working order. In addition to an inspection, swapping out the old furnace filter for a new one helps reduce noise, prevent a fire hazard, and allow the air to flow more smoothly. By assuring your furnace is in tip-top shape this season, you and your family will be able to enjoy this beautiful season to the fullest.

3. Wash Windows Inside and Out

One of the most overlooked fall home maintenance projects is washing the windows inside and outside your home. In addition to deterring damage, cleaning windows help to brighten up your space and enable more light to enter your home. Allowing more light to your home’s interior can be especially important in winter when daylight is minimal. Using a clean cloth, glass cleaner, and squeegee, wipe away dust and debris that could otherwise cause scratches and chips in the glass.

4. Inspect Your Fireplace

For those with a chimney, it is essential to check to see if your fireplace or woodstove is in working order and safe to use this season. Shine a flashlight into your chimney and inspect the flue closely. Examine the chimney for debris, buildup like bird nests and branches, cracked or missing bricks and mortar, and ensure the damper opens and closes properly. Hiring a professional is a great option to guarantee that the job gets done correctly. Experts recommend a complete chimney cleaning every other year.

Getting your in-home fire features a thorough inspection this season helps you prepare for the colder season, prevent a fire hazard, and extend the life of your fireplace.

By adding these four maintenance jobs to your autumn chore checklist, you’ll be setting yourself and your family up for a more enjoyable fall and winter season. While tackling your list, take note of any potential renovation or remodeling projects that could improve the appearance and quality of your home. If you notice your home could use an upgrade, addition, or remodel, fall is an excellent time to undergo a home renovation! With the holidays on the horizon and the inevitable cold season approaching, kitchen and bathroom improvements help to provide the perfect indoor sanctuary.

Need help with your next home renovation? Call (717) 454-7870 or fill out the form on our contact page to take your first steps to achieve the home of your dreams.