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!
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