Your fall home checklist keeps your house in tip-top shape, keeps your repairs to a minimum and gives you peace of mind as the weather starts to turn cooler. Here are the must-dos and some of the items that are typically forgotten about.
1. Flush water heater: Homeowners may not realize that sediment and minerals build up in the bottom of the tank, and then it has to work harder costing you more money. Drain from the bottom valve to flush the sediment out before winter comes.
2. Inspect attic: Here you’re not only looking for leaks and uneven insulation, but you are also checking for pests (small and large) so you can evict them quickly
3. Clean refrigerator coils: Again, keep your appliances from working harder and costing you money. Clean these coils on the back of the refrigerator once a year.
4. Clear out dryer vents: The lint that builds up in dryer vents not only makes your dryer work harder, but it’s also a fire hazard.
5. Trim hazardous tree branches: Dead branches and ones that are hanging over-power lines or your roof need to be trimmed back now to avoid damage in the winter weather.
6. Store outdoor furniture: When the last beam of warm weather sunshine disappears, it’s time to clean and store (or at least cover) your patio furniture until next summer.
7. Clean gutters and downspouts: Start now to protect your home from water and ice damage by cleaning these important drainage systems.