Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Revamp Your Home

With pumpkin carving, apple picking, and hot cocoa, fall is a wonderful time of year with plenty of seasonal traditions. However, one tradition is often overlooked: home maintenance. There are plenty of tasks you can do to prepare for winter

Add these tips to your yearly routine to keep your home clean, safe and ready for the changing seasons.

– Update your heating system. Replace the filter in your furnace and clean your ducts to increase efficiency, reduce household dust and lower your heating bill. Call in a trusted professional to check your heating system before minor problems turn into costly major repairs.

– Check your attic ventilation. Make sure the vents in the eaves are clear of insulation. When they are covered, you are more susceptible to ice dams on your roof. Also, inspect bird and rodent screens to prevent unwanted guests and verify all your vents are free of plants and debris.

– Revamp your landscaping. Grassroots grow deeper in the fall to prepare for winter, making it the perfect time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Trim fragile tree branches, and inspect any branches hanging over power lines. If you suspect a branch may fall onto the powerlines, now is the time to alert the power company. Prune trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth.

– Clean out gutters and downspouts. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations and pooled water, which can damage foundations, driveways, and walkways. Secure any support brackets that are not keeping the water in the downspout.

– Make sure windows and doors are appropriate for the drop in temperature. Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors. Repair any loose or damaged window or door frames. Consider installing weather stripping or caulking to prevent drafts and lower heating bills.

– Properly insulate piping to ensure pipes do not freeze and burst. Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in the event pipes do freeze.

Even the best preparation does not prevent all problems. Northeast Insurance home insurance is the surefire way to protect yourself from any accidents to your home this fall and winter. From damage to your dwelling and loss of use during repairs to personal property protection, our comprehensive homeowner’s insurance lets you rest in peace knowing you and your home are safe. For all the regular updates on how we can best help you, follow us on Facebook today!