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Pile of raked autumn leaves on green lawn with leaf rake

10 Things to do to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Can you believe that summer has already came and went? It's time to start preparing your home for the change of seasons. We've compiled a list of ten things you can do to prepare your home for fall:


Clean out your gutters.


It's important to make sure to keep your gutters and downspouts clean from debris. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams that can lead to expensive repairs. Once the leaves have fallen, make sure to clean out any leaves, twigs, and other debris that may be lodged in your gutters or downspouts. Also be sure to also tighten any gutter hangers and downspout brackets, and replace any worn or damaged gutters.


Bring your outdoor furniture inside.


While outdoor furniture is meant to be outdoors, it's always a safe bet to make sure to bring any furniture or cushions inside the house during the winter months. If you are unable to bring furniture indoors, invest in a furniture cover to ensure the furniture is not damaged in the colder months.


Change your filters.


Furnace filters often trap dust that would otherwise be distributed throughout your house. Clogged filters can make it harder to keep your home at a desirable temperature throughout the year, which could cost you more money in utility bills. It's recommended to change your air filters at least every three months - so why not start at the beginning of fall?


Prepare your lawn for colder months ahead.


Rake up the dead leaves from your lawn, and fertilize with a high phosphorous mix in preparation for the spring.


Test your winter equipment


Before the winter weather hits, make sure to test your winter equipment, such as your snow blower, to make sure that everything's still working! The last thing we want to happen is have our snow blower not start up on the first big snow storm of the season!


Check your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide monitors.


Make sure to test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, and flashlights to ensure they're still functioning properly, and replace with new batteries.


Check for air leaks and seal them up!


Check around your doors and windows for air leaks by moving your hand around the frame. If there are any areas where air is leaking in, make sure to seal them off with weather stripping or caulk.


Protect your faucets from freezing temperatures


Drain the water from your garden hoses and store them away for winter. Make sure to shut off outdoor water valves in preparation of colder weather. This should be an early fall priority item in case an extreme cold front comes in.


Check your fireplace


Even if you don't use your fireplace often, you should make sure to check it for any damage or hazards at least once a year. Grab a flashlight and check out the fireplace flue to make sure the damper opens and closes properly. Make sure to check that the flue is free of bird's nests, branches, leaves, or other obstructions. You should be able to see daylight at the top of the chimney. If you're unfamiliar with how to properly inspect your chimney, have a chimney sweep inspect your fireplace.


Inspect your roof and the exterior of your home.


Make sure to inspect your roof, as well as the overall exterior of your home, for any shingles that may be cracked or missing, or any paint or siding that may be cracked or chipped. 



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