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Prepare Your Home for Fall

by Kynzy Lowe

The resurgence of everything pumpkin spice means that fall is upon us once again. You are probably as excited to pull out that box of fall décor as we are. If you live in a building (a house, duplex, apartment, condo, etc..) then there are some other important tasks that should be added to your to-do list to make sure your home is well prepared for the change of season.

  • Have your furnace inspected

Don’t get left in the cold. Fall brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and earlier sunsets. Ensure that your home stays nice and cozy by having your furnace inspected. Contact your preferred local HVAC company to get your furnace checked out and maintenance, if needed.

  • Clean your gutters

Gutters safely carry water from your roof away from your home’s foundation. Blocked gutters can prevent this water from flowing, causing damage to your home, so it is important to clear out any debris that has built up. You can hire someone to do this, or you can do it yourself. Consider getting gutter guards so that water will flow smoothly without your gutters getting clogged with leaves or other debris.

  • Properly insulate your home

Combat the drop in temperature by making sure your home is properly insulated. The most effective way to keep your home warm is to invest in extra insulation, and there are many different options that vary based on your type of home and specific layout. This can be pricey, but will save money on energy bills in the long run. You can also reduce heat loss by covering windows with blinds and curtains.

  • Check outdoor faucets

Make sure all outdoor faucets are turned off. It might be worth doing now, before winter, to avoid water freezing and bursting pipes. Don’t forget to use insulated covers for exterior water spigots.

  • Bring in outdoor items

Depending on the weather, it may be best to pack up outdoor furniture and other patio items that could get damaged. If you have a pool, it might be time to cover it so that it stays clean until next summer.

Following these tips can help you avoid common problems in the fall and winter. By making sure that your home is well prepared, you can relax and enjoy all that this season has to offer.

Fall home maintenance tips by Benchmark

7 Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

by Benchmark

Fall is the perfect time to get all of your home maintenance and winter preparation projects done. It is the time of year when things cool off and it gives you the best opportunity for accomplishing all you need to before the cold winter months.

Help get your home ready for winter with these fall maintenance tips:

1. Check windows and doors.

This is one of the easiest ways to save on winter energy bills and keep your house from getting cold. Make sure there are not cracks, leaks or air coming through the window sills or door frames.

2. Clean you heating and air conditioning.

Having your air conditioner and heater units cleaned twice a year- spring and fall- will help your family stay healthier and expand the life of your units. A professional cleaning is inexpensive and takes a very short amount of time.

3. Check your fireplace.

Many people still use wood burning or gas fireplaces in the winter. Do a visual inspection of your fireplace to make sure that it is in good working order. Give it a test run at some point in the fall, before it gets too cold, to make sure that it will be functioning in the winter.

4. Clean your water heater.

You can clean your water heater by simply draining it. Allow all of the water in the tank to come out. This will get rid of any buildup that is in the heater due to sediment and will help prevent it from building up during the winter.

5. Protect your hose.

To keep your garden hose from freezing and cracking empty it completely and disconnect it from the spigot. Moving it inside is also a good idea to help prevent your hose from freezing and getting destroyed.

6. Check your roof.

When prepping maintaining your home it is important to start from the bottom up. Take a look at your roof- even from the ground- and see if there are any missing shingles or holes in the roof. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves, sticks and debris.

7. Clean out the garage.

Make sure that any unused gas in equipment is removed and stored properly. Allowing the gas to sit in the fuel tanks can cause sediment in the tank and can potentially ruin the equipment. Since it may be out of use for months, fall is a good time to do this.

summer home maintenance tips

7 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

by Benchmark

Summer home maintenance tips to keep your home in top condition:

1. The laundry room

These summer home maintenance tips are often neglected and skipping them leads to increased power usage from dirty filters and possible damage from water or fire.

– Washer

  • Check hoses for cracks or bubbles
  • Clean filters and door gaskets
  • Look for any signs of leakage around the base of the washer

– Dryer

  • Clean accumulated lint from duct
  • Remove lint from under and around dryer
  • Clean vent
  • Remove filter and wash with dish soap to remove build up

2. Gas Grills

  • Check for damaged lines or fittings
  • Ensure there are no leaks
  • Examine the burners for rust or damage

3. Exterior surfaces

– Driveway and patio

  • Look for signs of deterioration
  • Clean and fill in any cracks in concrete or asphalt

– Deck and porch

  • Check for rot or damage
  • Replace or repair any damaged wood
  • Tighten loose planks
  • Check for loose or missing screws or bolts
  • Stain or seal exposed wood

4. Security

  • Examine locks on windows and doors for proper functioning
  • Replace missing or damaged keys

5. Roof

  • Inspect from ground
  • Look for branches or other debris that need removal
  • If necessary, contact a professional to inspect or repair

6. Weatherproofing

  • Inspect and clean caulk around doors and windows
  • Repair or replace as necessary

7. Gutters

These summer home maintenance tips protect your roof and walls from water damage caused by overflowing gutters.

  • Inspect from ground for damage
  • Remove accumulated debris
  • Check downspouts for blockages
  • Be sure water moves freely through gutters and downspouts, check for leaks

Use these summer home maintenance tips to keep your home safe and in good condition all year round.