As the warm weather begins to cool and the leaves start to turn into the rich and warm tones of fall, the season calls homeowners to prepare their abodes for the colder months ahead. Seasonal maintenance of your home is important for ensuring the longevity of your property and creating a cozy haven for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some essential fall home tasks you should do so your home remains efficient, comfortable, and in peak condition.

Gutter Cleaning

Fall is synonymous with falling leaves. While they’re a stunning reminder of the season, they can clog gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage. Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris to prevent clogging.

Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets

As the temperature drops, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting increases. Avoid this by draining and disconnecting your garden hoses and turning off the outdoor water supply. You should also install frost-proof exterior faucets or insulate your existing ones.

Seal Windows and Doors

Having drafty windows and doors can make your heating bill skyrocket. Examine the seals and weather stripping in your home and replace or repair them as necessary. This ensures a comfortable indoor environment and energy efficiency.

Inspect Your Furnace and Chimney

Before lighting up the fireplace this season, get your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. This prevents potential hazards like chimney fires. If you have a furnace, get it examined and replace filters to ensure it’s prepared for the winter workload.

Landscape and Garden Care

The fall season is the perfect time to aerate and fertilize your lawn. This ensures that it comes back lush in the spring. Trim your trees and shrubs to prevent winter breakage damage. This is also the perfect time to plant spring bulbs and protect perennials with mulch.

Test Safety Devices

In preparation for holiday decoration and increased indoor foot traffic, ensure safety devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are up to date and working.

Inspect Your Roof

If you live in an area with snow, it’s important to have your roof inspected for things like missing or damaged shingles and potential leak spots.

Organize Your Garage

Fall is a great time to reorganize your garage. Store your summer equipment away and make sure your winter tools, like snow shovels and blowers, are easily accessible.

Donate Items You No Longer Use

Rotate your closet by swapping out summer clothing for winter pieces. Take note of items you no longer use or need and donate them.

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Avoid having to go to the store last minute by restocking winter essentials in advance. Stock up on items like salt, sand, and other snow removal tools.