Preparing Your Home for Fall and Winter: Maintenance Tips
As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves change color in New England, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming fall and winter months. Ensuring your home is ready for the colder weather not only keeps you comfortable but also helps avoid costly repairs later on. Here are some essential maintenance tips to get your home in shape for the season on Cape Cod:
1. Check Your Heating System
Your heating system is going to work overtime during the colder months, so make sure it’s running efficiently. Schedule an inspection with a professional to check your furnace or heat pump. Replace or clean your filters to ensure proper airflow, and consider upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart version to optimize heating while saving energy. Regularly maintaining and servicing your heating system may also prolong it’s life and end up saving you money down the road.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts around windows and doors can cause your heating bill to skyrocket, as they let warm air escape and cold air in. Inspect all windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. Is there one room or area in your home that tends to get colder than the others? Use weather stripping or caulk to seal them and consider adding draft stoppers at the bottom of exterior doors for extra insulation.
3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Fall, especially in New England, means beautiful leaves, but it also means clogged gutters. Be sure to clear out leaves, sticks, and other debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from overflowing and causing damage to your roof, foundation, or walls. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can lead to ice dams in the winter, which can be a headache to deal with. Cleaning them now also prevents you from having to clean them in the colder months, when you may be less likely to want to go outdoors and do yard work.
4. Inspect Your Roof
Before the snow starts to fall, take the time to inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. If repairs are needed, it’s best to address them now before the weather worsens. A small repair now can prevent larger, more expensive issues later. Also, check for any areas where water might pool and make sure your roof is in good condition to handle heavy snow. A trusted agent should have a local network that extends to roofing companies, feel free to reach out to them to ask for recommendations!
5. Service Your Fireplace and Chimney
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, fall is the perfect time to have it cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup can be a fire hazard, so hire a professional chimney sweep to ensure it’s safe for use. Also, make sure the damper is working correctly to prevent drafts when the fireplace is not in use.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As you start using your heating system and fireplace more, it’s critical to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace the batteries and test each unit to ensure they’re in good condition. Fall and winter are high-risk seasons for house fires and carbon monoxide leaks, so this step is crucial for your family’s safety.
If you want to make sure your home is up to local safety codes, contact your local fire department to learn what they require to pass a smoke and carbon monoxide test. They can provide guidance on detector placement and maintenance to ensure your home is fully protected.
7. Trim Trees and Bushes
We all know New England weather can be unpredictable. Strong fall and winter storms can bring down branches, which may damage your home or power lines at any time. Trim any branches that are too close to your home, and clear away any dead or overhanging limbs. Not only does this protect your property, but it also reduces the chance of winter ice accumulating on branches and causing them to snap.
8. Prepare Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
As freezing temperatures approach, make sure to turn off and drain your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. If water is left inside, it can freeze and cause pipes to burst, leading to expensive repairs. Invest in faucet covers for added protection against the cold.
Final Thoughts
By taking these steps to prepare your home for fall and winter, you’ll keep it cozy, safe, and energy-efficient. Regular maintenance can also help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your home’s systems and structures. A little preparation now will go a long way in ensuring your home is ready for the colder months ahead.
If you have any questions about maintaining your home or are considering making improvements to increase your property’s value, feel free to reach out to us at Travel Home Realty. We’re here to help with all your real estate needs year-round!