Fall has arrived and it is time to start thinking about winter. See below for your fall maintenance checklist.
- Winterize your hose bibs.
- Make sure your areaway drain is clear from all items and debris.
- Test and reset GFIs.
- Change or clean the furnace filter.
- Test your heating system.
- Clean your humidifier.
- Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed.
- Check the fit of exterior doors.
- Adjust door thresholds as needed.
- Check the caulking inside your home and touch up as needed.
- Drain your sprinkler system.
- Inspect chimney furnace.
- Test your fireplace and review safe fireplace operation.
- Professionally clean your fireplace at regular intervals, as well.
- Check your garage overhead door.
- Tighten any bolts in the overhead garage door, as needed.
- Lubricate the garage door springs with motor oil and have other repairs done by a professional, as needed.
- Check gutters and clean if needed.
- Check the downspouts and make sure they are draining properly.
- Check your foundation, concrete, and yard for settling and fill in as needed for positive drainage.
- After a snowfall, brush snow off of gutters and away from the downspouts.
- Remove ice and snow from concrete as soon as possible.
- Avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts.
- On pleasant days, open windows to allow the house to breathe.
- And finally, decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload your circuits or use worn extension cords.