Baton Rouge got its first hint of chill in the air this past weekend. The seasons are turning, and bringing welcome change for many. Take this new leaf as an opportunity to ensure your home is as ready as you are for the season to come! Here are some helpful Fall home maintenance tips to consider.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips Checklist
1. Heating System
The Fall is the beginning of cooler temps! The last thing you want is an issue with your HVAC during the winter.
- Change the air filter in your furnace and make sure it’s running efficiently.
Stock up on several air filters for the cooler weather, and change them every month. - Call in an HVAC contractor to test the heating output and give the system a tune up. This technician can also check for and correct possibly hazardous carbon monoxide levels generated by your heating system.
- After your furnace has been tuned up to its maximum efficiency, take a moment to inspect your heating ducts and vents. Dust them off and clear away anything that may have gotten into them over the summer.
- Check your windows for any leaks that may compromise your heating efficiency. If you feel cold air coming in, purchase a plastic sealing kit from the hardware store and place the plastic around the window to keep the heat from escaping.
- Check your doorways and replace the weather stripping if needed.
2. Fireplace & Chimney
An annual sweep is recommended by most professionals, so Fall is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for an estimate. Depending on your level of use, you can ask the Chimney Sweep to evaluate if you need the service yet prior to having it completed. If you’ll be using the fireplace or woodstove often, call a chimney sweep for an inspection.
3. Home Fire Safety
New need for in-home heat also means new possibility for fire hazards! A few fire safety tips:
- Check fire extinguishers and replace them if necessary.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
- Review your home fire evacuation plan with your family.
4. Gutters & Yard
The leaves are falling, which means your gutters may be cluttering. It’s best to inspect and clean your gutters a few times during the fall if there trees around your house. Clogged gutters result in water spill over which will pool and could cause damage to your home’s foundation or create a slip hazard in colder temps.
Additionally, disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of the pipes freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.
5. Inspect your roof
Inspect your roof or hire a licensed professional to review the condition of your roof. Look for any wear and tear that might have happened during this year’s storms. If any shingles are curling, buckling or cracking, replace them. If there is extensive damage, you might consider re-roofing with impact resistant shingles.
Handling these items preventatively saves you money and heartache. If handled in advance, they’re no big deal to address! It also saves you money on insurance claims and allows you to budget on your timeline to make payments rather than calling emergency repairmen when something goes wrong. As always, Henry Insurance Services is here to help you protect what matters. Something we can help with? Contact an agent by calling 225-927-0451 or emailing info@henryinsuranceservice.com today!