The importance of fall maintenance

With fall fast approaching, it’s important to keep in mind home maintenance. By making maintenance part of an annual fall routine, homeowners can identify potential problems before they arise while preparing homes and property for what Mother Nature has to offer.
Following are some home maintenance tips to help prepare for the coming winter:
• Have heating systems cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
• Replace the furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
• Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
• Have the chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.
• Inspect smoke detectors. Make sure a smoke detector is in each bedroom or sleeping area and also, a smoke detector in the hallway outside each sleeping area. Homeowners should also make sure they have at least one smoke detector on each floor of the home, including the basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.
Repairs made during the fall can help protect you from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.