13 Fall Tips for Midwest Homeowners
With cooler Missouri temperatures on the horizon (as well as the potential for more frequent rain and wind), preparing your home for fall can help ensure comfort and safety throughout the season. Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly.
We’ve gathered essential fall tips to help you get your home ready for the changes ahead, so you can enjoy all the beauty and coziness autumn has to offer.
Inspect and Clean Gutters: Fall leaves can quickly clog gutters, leading to potential water damage. Make sure to clear out any debris and ensure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.
Check Your Heating System: Before the chill sets in, schedule a maintenance check for your furnace or heating system. Replace filters, check for any issues, and make sure your system is running efficiently. (Great news: if you have a home warranty with UPKEEP, you can already cross this off your to-do list!)
Seal Drafts and Leaks: Cold air can sneak into your home through gaps around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks and keep your home warm.
Inspect Roof and Chimney: The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Check for missing or damaged shingles and have your chimney inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s safe for use.
Prepare Your Plumbing: Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating exposed pipes and disconnecting any outdoor hoses. (When winter arrives, consider letting a small trickle of water run from faucets on particularly cold nights!)
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Falling branches and overgrown bushes can be a hazard. Trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your home or power lines.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: With heating systems back in use, it’s crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed.
Inspect and Clean the Dryer Vent: Lint buildup in dryer vents can be a fire hazard. Clean the vent and surrounding area to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Check and Replace Weatherstripping: Over time, weatherstripping around doors and windows can wear out. Replace any damaged strips to keep drafts out and improve energy efficiency.
Prepare for Winter Weather: Stock up on essentials like salt for icy sidewalks and driveways, and check that snow shovels and de-icers are in good condition.
Maintain Your Yard: Rake leaves regularly to prevent them from becoming a soggy mess. Consider aerating your lawn to improve its health and prepare it for winter.
Inspect and Clean Outdoor Lighting: With shorter days, outdoor lighting becomes more important. Check that all lights are working and clean any fixtures to ensure they’re effective.
Fix Driveway Cracks: As temperatures drop, water can get into your driveway cracks and freeze and expand, leaving you with larger cracks and holes than before.
Preparing your home for fall is more than just a seasonal chore—it’s a proactive step toward ensuring comfort, safety, and efficiency as the weather changes. By following these tips, homeowners can safeguard their homes against the challenges of autumn and enjoy the season with peace of mind. Remember, a little effort now can prevent bigger issues down the road, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of fall without worry.
If you have any questions or need assistance with home maintenance, the team at UPKEEP is here to help you every step of the way. Here’s to a well-prepared and cozy fall season!