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As the vibrant colours of fall begin to fade and the temperatures dip, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home for the winter season ahead. Tackling a few essential home maintenance tasks in the fall can make all the difference in creating a warm, safe, and efficient haven during the colder months. From sealing drafts to servicing your furnace, a little pre-emptive care now can help you avoid stress and unexpected costs in the dead of winter. Let’s dive into the must-do tasks that will keep your home cozy and stress-free as you welcome winter!
- Make Sure To Clean The Gutters And Downspouts
Now this point is not the most glamorous house maintenance job but you will be thanking yourself in the spring when the snow starts to melt, or if we get heavy rains in the winter. Doing this will prevent possible damage to your home, which could cost you money in the future. Also, saggy/not-maintained gutters can make your house look unkempt and can lower the curb appearance.
- Get Your Furnace Ready
This point might seem like an obvious one, but with Canadian winters it is a point that shouldn’t be missed. One of the easiest things you can do to prevent furnace malfunction is to replace the furnace filter before the cold months arrive. Also, your furnace should be serviced every year, hiring a trusted professional to do a detailed tune-up is always a good idea.
- Check Your Attic Insulation
Make sure every part of your attic is well-insulated, and you’ll save money by reducing energy leakage. Also, while in the attic, check the vents and make sure there isn’t any debris clogging them. Proper ventilation prevents ice damming and improves overall household heating efficiency.
- Weatherproof Windows and Doors
Did you know you could lower your energy usage in the winter by 30% if you fix all the drafty doors and windows in your home? Replacing that worn weather stripping and using caulk to fill any gaps near windows, doors, pipes and faucets can keep you from heating the outside.
- Clean and Inspect Fireplace/Chimney
If your house has a fireplace, before you turn it on and snuggle up there are a couple of things you should do. Hiring a professional to inspect and service your chimney is the first thing you should do. This helps to prevent chimney fires and the buildup of dangerous gases. A professional also knows how to properly clear out soot, leaves, and even the occasional bird nest. If you have a wood fireplace, stocking up a good amount of firewood before it gets cold is a good idea to keep the fire burning.
- Drain Out the Hose & Sprinkler System
Make sure to drain out your outdoor hose and sprinkler is important to prevent freezing and potential damage. Blowing out any remaining water in sprinkler systems and hoses and storing them in a bin in the garage or shed prevents you from buying new ones in the spring.
- Check Your Home’s Exterior
Doing a full walk-around inspection on your house exterior is a good idea before the weather gets too cold. Checking your home’s exterior for any peeling paint and making plans to repaint this fall or make plans to repaint in the spring will prevent you from doing more work later. Also, checking your siding for damage, cracks or peeling and repairing it before winter helps keep the heat locked in and prevent further damage to your home.
- Seal Cracks in Driveways and/or Walkways
Checking your driveway and walkways for cracks and repairing them helps to prevent them from expanding due to freezing and thawing cycles. This helps you from having to redo your driveway or walkways in the spring, which means less cost to your wallet.
- Store Outdoor Furniture
Make sure to clean and store outdoor furniture, grills, and other equipment to protect them from the winter weather. This can prevent them from rusting, aging or getting completely ruined. Also, use tarps or covers for outdoor furniture that can’t be moved or stored inside.
- Prepare Emergency Kits
With Canadian winters it is always good to be prepared, especially if you live in a rural area. Having a backup generator, emergency first aid kits, and extra blankets are good essentials if the power goes out due to a snow or ice storm.
A little time invested in fall maintenance can save you from big hassles down the road, helping your home stay warm, secure, and efficient all winter long. By prioritizing these key tasks now, you can settle into the season with confidence, knowing your home is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way. So, grab your to-do list and get started—your future self will thank you for the warm, stress-free sanctuary you’ll enjoy all season!
If you’re unsure where to start with these fall maintenance tasks, contact us today! We can connect you with trusted professionals who’ll help get your home ready for winter.
The information in this blog is not legal advice, and its contents are not guaranteed or warranted.
