10 Smart Home Fall Prep Tips

10 SMART HOME FALL PREP TIPS

1. Clean out gutters & downspouts.

Leaves, pine needles, and debris can pile up fast this time of year. Clogged gutters cause water to back up and damage your roof, fascia, or foundation. Flush everything out and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house.

2. Inspect roof & flashing.

Grab a pair of binoculars or safely climb up to take a look. Missing or curled shingles and damaged flashing around chimneys or vents can lead to leaks once the heavy fall rains arrive. A small repair now is a lot cheaper than fixing water damage later.

3. Seal doors, windows & any drafts.

Check for air leaks around windows, doors, and even outlets. Adding fresh caulk or weatherstripping keeps warm air in and cold air out, helping your home feel more comfortable and lowering heating costs.

4. Schedule furnace / HVAC check-up; change filters now.

Your heating system works harder as the temps drop. A fall tune-up helps it run efficiently and catch problems before they become emergencies. While you’re at it, swap out the air filters to keep the air clean and flowing properly.

5. Check chimney, fireplace & flue.

Before you light the first fire of the season, have a pro inspect and clean your chimney. Creosote (a flammable, black residue that forms inside chimneys from wood smoke) is a serious fire hazard, and making sure the flue is clear of obstructions keeps smoke and carbon monoxide out of your home.

6. Winterize exterior faucets & sprinkler systems; disconnect hoses.

Even though freezing temps may still be a couple of months away, it’s smart to have a game plan to disconnect garden hoses now. When the time comes, shut off exterior faucets and drain your sprinkler system to avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs.

7. Test smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms.

Press the test button and replace batteries as needed. These simple checks take only a few minutes but are critical to keeping your family safe as heating season begins. (haha... if not, it will probably let you know in the middle of the night that the battery needs to be replaced.)

8. Trim tree branches near the house.

Walk around your yard and look for branches hanging over your roof, driveway, or power lines. Storms and wind can bring them down quickly. Cutting them back now prevents damage and keeps your home safer. (Remember our 2022 Ice Storm?)

9. Rake and remove leaves; fertilize & prep landscaping.

A thick layer of leaves can smother grass and invite pests. Rake them up and consider mulching for garden beds. Fall is also the perfect time for a slow-release fertilizer to give your lawn a healthy boost heading into winter.

10. Check insulation in attic and crawlspaces.

Heat loss often happens in places you don’t see. Adding insulation where needed keeps your home warmer, reduces energy bills, and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.