10+ Housekeeping Tasks for Fall
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Fall is a great time to prepare your home for the winter months, especially in Connecticut where temperatures can drop significantly. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your house in good shape:
Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Check for Damage: Look for missing or damaged shingles and repair them to prevent leaks.
Clean Gutters: Clear leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from backing up.
Extend Gutter Downspouts: Gutter downspouts should extend at least 4 to 6 feet from the home to prevent foundation issues, mold, mildew, dry rot, and leaky basements.
Suggested Items
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Flexible Gutter Downspout Extensions
Why I recommend: The flexible hose allows me to navigate around the perennial flower beds near my downspout. Also, choice of color allows me to blend presence of hose in with mulch, if I so choose.
Seal Windows & Doors
Inspect Caulking and Weather Stripping: Replace any worn-out seals to improve energy efficiency and keep drafts out.
Address Excess Moisture Issues: Invest in a dehumidifier, especially in basements and other areas prone to excess moisture, so as to prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
Suggested Items
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Bundle Kit of Gorilla Caulk Sealant
Why I recommend it: Kit includes everything you need—caulk, caulk gun, trowel, and scrapper—to complete caulking projects quickly and neatly.
DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber
Why I recommend: Simple, cost-effective way to absorb excess moisture in areas where unable to use a dehumidifier.
Check Heating Systems
Service Your Furnace: Schedule a professional maintenance check to ensure it’s functioning efficiently.
Change Filters: Replace or clean air filters for better air quality and efficiency.
Prepare Fireplace or Wood Stove for Use
Chimney Inspection: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires and improve efficiency.
Stock Firewood: Ensure you have a supply of dry firewood ready for use.
Exterior Maintenance
Inspect Siding: Look for signs of wear or damage and make necessary repairs.
Paint Touch-ups: If needed, do any touch-ups to protect against the elements.
Landscaping
Rake or Mulch Leaves: Rake or mulch leaves with your lawnmower to keep yard tidy. Mulching leaves back into your lawn helps benefit the soil and wildlife.
Prune Trees and Shrubs: Trim overgrown branches, especially those that might pose a risk to your home during winter storms.
Prepare for Snow
Check Snow Removal Equipment: Ensure your snow blower is in working order and stock up on salt and shovels.
Store Patio Furniture: Bring in any outdoor furniture and garden tools to protect them from winter weather.
Suggested Items
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Why I recommend it: Vented so as to increase air flow and reduce condensation build up between patio furniture and cover.
Insulate Pipes
Wrap Exposed Pipes: Use insulation to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather.
Cover and Insulate Garden Spigots: Also disconnect garden hoses.
Suggested Items
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Why I recommend it: Strong adhesion, able to insulate areas and shapes that a cover can’t protect or fit over.
Why I recommend it: Hassle free installation that doesn’t rely on Velcro to stay in place.
Check Smoke and CO Detectors
Test and Replace Batteries: Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
Plan for Power Outages
Stock Emergency Supplies: Have flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food on hand in case of winter storms.
Suggested Items
** Please note that when you buy through these affiliate links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Why I recommend it: Battery operated so that you don’t have to worry about your flashlight being charged beforehand before the power goes out.
Bonus Tip
Consider a Professional Home Inspection and Energy Audit: If you’re unsure about the condition of your home, hiring a professional can provide peace of mind. Also, Eversource offers home energy audits for a fee of $75. Authorized, licensed contractors will provide you with reports about your home’s energy use, make on-the-spot upgrades such as sealing drafts, make customized energy-saving recommendations, and provide you with resources such as coupons and rebates to help defray some of the cost of making energy efficiency upgrades to your home. My mom, whose home dates back to the 1880’s, used this service and found it beneficial in not only reducing her heating bill, but in using the rebate program available at the time to purchase new windows.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your home is well-prepared for the colder months ahead!