Your annual checklist of fall chores
The leaves are turning, the mornings are getting chilly, and winter isn’t too far away. It’s time once again for my annual checklist of important things that I recommend you do to get your home ready for the coming change of seasons.
Inside
• Check smoke detectors. Change your smoke detector batteries, and check for proper operation. Also, check the date on the bottom of the smoke detector. If yours is more than 10 years old, replace it with a new one. Also, make sure you have a smoke detector at each sleeping room, and one centrally located on each level of the home.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that’s fueled by propane or natural gas, or if you have an attached garage, install a carbon monoxide detector. If your existing carbon monoxide detector is more than 5 years old, replace it with a new one.
• Check gas appliances. Speaking of gas appliances, consider having your utility company or heating contractor inspect flues, fittings and other components of your natural gas or propane appliance and heating systems for potential problems.
• Change furnace filters. Always put in new furnace filters in the fall. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to add to your home’s efficiency and your family’s comfort.
• Check and seal heating ducts. Check the ducts in your attic, basement and crawl space for gaps between ducts and fittings, and seal them with a quality metallic tape. Also, Chores that homeowners should do in the fall include checking their smoke detectors and their gutters. check to be sure that all of the ducts are off the ground and adequately supported.
• Check the fireplace. Clean the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue using brushes approved for the size and type of flue you have, or leave it to an experienced chimney sweep company; they’ll also inspect the fireplace from top to bottom and talk to you about any needed repairs. Clean out the firebox, making sure you place the ashes in a fireproof container with a tight lid for proper disposal. If you have an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert, check the doorseal gasket, and clean the glass on the door.
Outside
• Check the roof. Examine roofing shingles and flashings, and repair or replace them as needed. It’s much easier and safer to take care of these problems now than during winter’s ice and rain.
• Check the gutters. Fall is the ideal time to check your gutter and downspout systems. Clear the gutters of leaf and pine needle debris, and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Look for loose joints or other structural problems with the system, and repair them as needed using pop rivets. Use a gutter sealant to seal any connections.
• Change light timers. If you have exterior lights that are controlled by timers, including low-voltage ones, check the timer settings. Change the “on” times to an earlier hour to reflect the earlier winter darkness.
• Move freeze-prone liquids. If you have paint, car care products, lawn and garden products or other liquids that are prone to freezing, move them into an area where they’ll be protected. This advice applies to batteries in equipment that won’t be used during the winter. Exercise caution before moving batteries or potentially hazardous materials into the house for storage.
• Seal masonry surfaces. Apply a sealer to concrete driveways and walkways, brick patios, and other exterior masonry. Masonry sealers prevent water from penetrating into cracks and crevices where it can freeze and cause serious damage. You can find sealers at home centers, paint stores, and masonry supply retailers. Apply with a brush, roller or sprayer.
Have a home repair or remodeling question for Paul? He can be reached by email at improvingyourhome@ykwc.net.