It’s here! Thanks to September 22, it’s officially fall in Augusta. Even though it was a nice breezy 89 degrees and a hurricane is landing, fall is a beautiful time of year that comes with home maintenance challenges. Taking a few proactive steps now can save you time, money, and stress later. So, grab a cozy sweater, or in our case, your swimsuit, and pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte, and let’s discuss the top five things you should do to prepare and maintain your home for fall.
1. Clean Out Your Gutters
Falling leaves may look pretty in your yard, but they’re a menace when it comes to your gutters. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters, preventing proper drainage. This leads to water pooling on your roof, which can cause leaks, rot, or even damage to your home’s foundation.
Start by clearing out all the debris from your gutters. If you’re not a fan of ladders or just want to avoid a messy job, hiring a professional can be a wise investment. Also, consider installing gutter guards to prevent future blockages. Once your gutters are clean, make sure water flows freely through the downspouts and away from your home.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Before fall’s cooler temperatures turn into winter’s freezing chill, it’s crucial to check for any gaps, cracks, or holes around your windows, doors, and exterior walls. These openings may seem small, but they allow cold air to seep in, making your heating system work overtime and increasing energy costs. Plus, critters like mice and insects will see these tiny gaps as an invitation to seek warmth inside your home.
Walk around your home and carefully inspect for drafts. Caulk or weatherstrip around windows and doors to seal any gaps. For larger cracks in your foundation or exterior walls, use a durable sealant. By sealing up your home, you’ll keep the warm air inside where it belongs and keep pests out.
3. Inspect Your Heating System
Fall is the perfect time to give your heating system some TLC before you need it in the winter. A well-maintained furnace or HVAC system is not only more efficient, but also less likely to break down when you need it most.
Start by changing the air filter. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and can affect air quality. The best practice for filters is to use the cheaper ones and change them every month. Next, schedule an inspection with a professional HVAC technician to check for any potential issues. They’ll ensure your system is working efficiently, so you’re not stuck in a cold house when the temperatures drop. The cost for regular HVAC maintenance is usually less than $300 a visit and will save you big bucks in the future.
I know our winters are generally mild, but don’t forget to inspect and clean your chimney and fireplace if you have a wood-burning one. Creosote buildup in chimneys can be a fire hazard, so regular cleaning is essential before lighting that first cozy fire of the season.
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As the weather cools down, more homes turn to fireplaces, wood stoves, and heating systems for warmth. This increases the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s critical to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Test all detectors and replace batteries. It’s a good rule of thumb to replace the batteries in these devices every year – and fall is the perfect reminder to do so. If any detectors are over 10 years old, it’s likely time to replace them. There is an expiration date listed on these detectors, and keeping your family safe should always be a top priority.
5. Rake Leaves and Prepare Your Lawn
Raking leaves might seem like a never-ending task in the fall, but it’s important for maintaining a healthy lawn. A thick layer of leaves can suffocate your grass, leading to patches of dead turf come spring. If you prefer an eco-friendlier option, you can mulch the leaves with your lawnmower instead of bagging them.
Fall is also the time to fertilize your lawn. Applying a good quality fall fertilizer helps strengthen the roots, ensuring your lawn can survive the winter and return lush and green in the spring.
Fall home maintenance may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it’s essential for keeping your home safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. By cleaning out your gutters, sealing gaps, inspecting your heating system, testing your detectors, and preparing your lawn, you’ll be ready to enjoy the beauty of the season without worrying about costly repairs. After all, who doesn’t want to kick back and enjoy fall’s simple pleasures, like cozy blankets, bonfires, and apple cider, in a well-prepared home?
To see more than 50 of Shawna’s previous local real estate articles, see her thought leader page.
Shawna Woodward
130 North Belair Road
Evans, GA 30809
Phone: (706) 993-1133 or (706) 399-8707
Website: https://www.mhpaugusta.com/
