Each season brings different home maintenance challenges. Work done in the fall will help prepare your home for colder weather, and possibly save you money!

1. Clean the gutters

   Gutters will divert more than 1,000 gallons of water away from your home, but if left uncleaned and clogged, can lead to extensive damage. Carefully clean out all leaves and debris and inspect for any damage – especially after all the leaves have fallen!

2. Check for drafts

   Inspect the seals on your doors and windows periodically, as they weaken over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing a drafty house can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills. Install weather-stripping or caulking around windows or doors that aren’t properly sealed.
   • How to test a seal: Close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, your weather-stripping isn’t properly sealing the opening.

3. Check your chimney

   As the weather gets cooler, fireplaces are used more often. To avoid an unnecessary house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned - and if needed, repaired by licensed professional.
   • You should also get any gas fireplaces inspected as well. There could be blocked vent or malfunctioning and damaged components. Any of these could result in a fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Check smoke detectors

   With the increased usage of fireplaces and other heating appliances for the colder weather, you’ll want to check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operating correctly. Put fresh batteries in to ensure they’ll be good all season long.
   • Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher as well and replace if needed!

5. Check your roof

   Prevent any leaks by inspecting your roof from top to bottom. Remove any debris and look for any damaged, missing, or curled shingles. These can lead to expensive problems down the road!