Since most of us are spending more time at home lately, it might seem easier to switch to hibernation mode this fall. However, homeowners beware: You still have some fall maintenance chores to add to your to-do list! Here’s our top fall tips to prepare your home for winter:
- Turn Off Outdoor Faucets: Outdoor pipes and faucets should be securely turned off in the fall. Keep in mind, some houses have the shutoff valves in the garage or inside the home. If you don’t shut-off the valve, the pipes can freeze and burst. If you have a garden hose connected, make sure to let it fully drain so that it doesn’t burst when the cold comes.
- Roof and Gutters: Jammed gutters and damaged roofs can lead to leaks. A good rule of thumb is to keep your feet firmly on the ground and hire a roofer to perform a roof and gutter maintenance check. Save yourself from any future drainage issues now.
- Furnace Tune-Up: Arrange to have a furnace tune-up in fall every few years. This way you’ll know you can crank up the heat when the temperature drops. A smooth run furnace can save you money when it’s running all winter long.
- Duct Cleaning: Not only will save you money on replacing filters, but it will keep the air cleaner and reduce furnace noise. With so many months indoors, this can make a huge difference.
- Fall Lawn Care: For a lush spring lawn, rake up leaves to reduce risk for disease. You should also fertilize the lawn at least once before freezing temperatures arrive.
- Fireplace Maintenance: Fireplaces and wood burning stoves should have a chimney inspection and cleaning to make sure everything is safe for use. This is also a good time to order a supply of wood for those romantic nights at home.
- Grill Maintenance: While there are a lot of die hard grillers in Toronto who barbecue right through snowstorms, for most of us fall is the time for grill maintenance. An easy tip is to let your grill cook at high heat until the leftover food burns away. You should also check things like your grease trap, and clean off outer surfaces to remove grease and food debris. Then, tuck your barbecue in for the winter with a good quality grill cover.
- Deck and Patio Maintenance: To keep your deck in tip-top condition, give it a good washing to remove mould and debris that can speed-up rot. If you’re feeling ambitious, it’s a great time to re-stain and/or seal your deck while the weather is still mild. That way your deck is ready for May 24 weekend entertaining.
- Store Your Patio Furniture: Take down umbrellas and tent style gazebos and store all your furniture and cushions. Since many Toronto homes don’t have a garage, invest in a small shed, or stack and cover everything with tarps. Cushions should be taken inside to avoid mould and mildew.
- Air Conditioner Check: Remove any noticeable debris from your air conditioner and cover it with an AC protector to keep out snow and ice. This is particularly important if it’s in an area that is exposed to snow and ice falling from the roof.
- Check Smoke Detectors: Once your furnace turns on, you’re at higher risk for noxious gases to escape. That’s why October is the traditional time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries.
- Seal leaks: Leaky windows and doors are easily fixed with new weather stripping and a caulking gun. By sealing gaps, you’ll keep your home toasty warm and help reduce your energy bills. Don’t forget your attic doors and windows!
While the list might seem long, you can tackle something new each weekend. This way you’ll be ready when the cold winds of November start to howl. If you’re thinking of selling in the next year and want to get a jump on your prep work, check out this blog for some tips to properly prepare your home for market.
Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash
