13 Home Maintenance Tips for Fall - NYCM Insurance Blog

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Oct 23, 2023

13 Home Maintenance Tips for Fall


The changing leaves, crisp autumn air, and decorating for the season are all things to look forward to at the start of fall, but after summer comes to an end, it’s time to prepare our homes for the colder months ahead. We often associate home maintenance with the months following winter, but being proactive can reduce the amount of work you do in the spring. Here are some simple and easy home maintenance tips to kickstart the fall season.

 

Inspect the Exterior and Interior for Peeling Paint

Whether it’s outside or inside your home, paint doesn’t last forever and should be updated regularly. Inspecting your home could entail a walk-through or a simple walk around your property looking for any paint chipping, peeling, discoloration, or fading.

 

Winterize Your Pool

For those with a pool, it’s important to winterize it. New York State can encounter harsh winters and you want to ensure your pool is protected. For more information about how to winterize your pool for the season, check out this link.

 

Inspect Fireplace and Chimneys for Damage or Potential Hazards

Dirty and obstructed chimneys are one of the leading causes of house fires. It is recommended to regularly inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Because this is a high-risk endeavor, you’ll want to consider calling a professional to both inspect your chimney, as well as clean it.

 

Clean Out Your Dryer Vents

Another major cause of housefires are clogged lint traps and air ducts. It’s important to empty your dryer lint trap after every load of laundry. Be sure to have your dryer ducts checked and cleaned regularly, as lint can get trapped there.

 

Winterize Your Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioning system or home cooling system should also be regularly maintained, although you likely won’t use it during the fall and winter months. Understanding the safety around these systems and preparing them for the winter is crucial! To learn more about cleaning your air conditioning unit, check out this link.

 

Clean and Prepare Your Heating Systems for Winter

As we put away our air conditioning systems, we transition into requiring a heat source. Depending on the heating system, this maintenance can look different for everyone. While you can refer to your owner’s manual for more detailed information, you might also consider calling for a professional inspection and cleaning.

 

Clean and Inspect All Windows and Doors

Cleaning and wiping down windows and door screens can increase visibility and help to remove any dirt and dust buildup from the last few months. Additionally, inspecting and adding a protective layer of caulk to window seals can help to prevent cold air leaks.

 

Clean and Condition Your Carpets

Besides a vacuuming weekly, it’s recommended to professionally clean and shampoo your carpets once a year. This keeps your home clean and lengthens the lifespan of your carpet—which can be costly to replace.

 

Test and Replace the Batteries in Your Emergency Systems

This includes both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll want to get in the habit of replacing batteries in emergency systems at the same time you adjust your clocks for daylight savings time.

 

Rake Leaves From the Backyard and Clean Gutters

As the temperature starts to drop, clearing gutters of leaves and other debris can prevent ice dams from forming. Raking your leaves will help prevent fungus and potential disease from growing, as well as prevent your grass from dying of suffocation.

 

Turn off Exterior Faucets and Store Hoses

Make sure to shut off exterior faucets and any unneeded water sources and store hoses and equipment away. To learn more about how to prevent your pipes from freezing, check out this link.

 

Stock up on Winter Essentials

In New York State, you never know when winter weather will strike. It’s best to always keep a stock of winter essentials on hand. This can include firewood, a winter safety kit, ice-melt, shovel(s), and anything else you may need ahead of time to prepare for winter.

 

Complete an Insurance Checkup

As the colder season approaches, being proactive is key, and protecting your home should be a top priority. It’s important to complete an annual insurance checkup to be sure that you and your home are properly protected. Your insurance agent is an excellent resource for navigating coverage options such as mechanical breakdown, service line coverage, guaranteed replacement cost, flood insurance and even umbrella coverage (personal excess liability). An agent can also help identify specific items you own that may need to be scheduled on your homeowner policy. For information on a home insurance policy with NYCM Insurance, check out the link below!