Fall Home Maintenance Tips for Spokane Homeowners
Fall Home Maintenance Tips for Spokane Homeowners
As the vibrant colors of fall begin to emerge in Spokane, it’s also time to start preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Taking care of essential fall maintenance tasks can help ensure your home stays warm, safe, and efficient throughout the winter. Here are some specific fall home maintenance tips for Spokane homeowners to keep your property in top shape.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System
As temperatures drop, ensuring your heating system is ready for winter is essential for comfort and safety.
Tips:
Professional Inspection: Schedule a professional HVAC technician to inspect and service your furnace or heat pump.
Replace Filters: Clean or replace furnace filters to ensure efficient operation.
Check Thermostat: Test your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for better efficiency.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
To prevent heat loss and keep your home warm, it’s crucial to seal any cracks and gaps around your home.
Tips:
Exterior Inspections: Walk around your home and inspect for any visible cracks or gaps in the siding, foundation, and around windows and doors.
Use Caulk and Weatherstripping: Apply caulk to seal cracks and add weatherstripping to doors and windows to prevent drafts.
Basement and Attic Checks: Check your basement and attic for any gaps or cracks where cold air could enter and seal them appropriately.
3. Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney
If you have a fireplace, preparing it for use is crucial for both safety and efficiency.
Tips:
Clean the Chimney: Have your chimney professionally cleaned to remove creosote buildup and prevent chimney fires.
Inspect the Damper: Ensure the damper opens and closes properly.
Stock Up on Firewood: If you use a wood-burning fireplace, stock up on seasoned firewood and store it in a dry place.
4. Inspect the Roof and Attic
Your roof and attic play key roles in keeping your home warm and dry during the fall and winter months.
Tips:
Inspect for Damage: Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles and repair as necessary.
Clean the Roof: Remove any debris, such as leaves and branches, that can trap moisture.
Insulate the Attic: Ensure your attic has adequate insulation to prevent heat loss and ice dams.
5. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
Protecting your outdoor plumbing from freezing temperatures can prevent costly repairs.
Tips:
Disconnect Hoses: Detach garden hoses and store them indoors.
Drain Sprinkler Systems: Blow out and drain your irrigation system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Insulate Faucets: Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers to protect them from freezing.
6. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trimming back trees and shrubs can help prevent damage to your home during winter storms.
Tips:
Remove Dead Branches: Trim dead or damaged branches that could fall during a storm.
Keep Branches Away from Home: Ensure branches are trimmed back from your roof and siding to prevent damage from wind and ice.
7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As you start using your heating system and fireplace, it’s crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.
Tips:
Test Devices: Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replace Units: Replace any units that are more than 10 years old.
Install Additional Detectors: Consider adding extra detectors, especially near bedrooms and the furnace.
8. Drain and Store Garden Equipment
As you prepare for winter, make sure to properly store your garden equipment to extend its life.
Tips:
Drain Fuel: Drain gasoline from lawnmowers and other garden equipment.
Clean Tools: Clean and oil garden tools to prevent rust.
Store Properly: Store equipment in a dry, protected area to prevent damage from the elements.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for fall and winter in Spokane involves a few essential maintenance tasks that can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your home is ready to withstand the colder months and keep your family warm and safe.
Need help with your fall maintenance checklist or thinking about buying or selling a home in Spokane? I’m here to assist you with all your real estate needs. Reach out for more information and expert advice. Enjoy the fall season!