Fall officially starts September 22, so now is the perfect time to do some home maintenance to prepare for the cooler weather. The days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school (in-person or virtually), which probably means you have less time to complete home improvement projects than you did over the summer. To help you prioritize, we’ve put together this ultimate checklist of the ten most important home maintenance projects you should consider tackling this fall.
1. Clean the chimney
By Designecologist on Pexels
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean out the creosote from your chimney. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, which can spread to the rest of your home. Traditionally this job has been left to professionals, but you can now purchase drill attachments that make quick work of creosote.
If you don’t have a fireplace but want one to keep your family warm during the fall and winter, now is a great time to install it. Here are fifteen beautiful fireplace designs to give you some ideas and inspiration.
2. Upgrade insulation
Foam insulation by anaterate on Pixabay
Upgrading your insulation can keep your home warmer during the winter ahead and lower your heating bills. You may even be able to get a rebate from your gas or electric company to lower the cost of installing it.
3. Insulate vulnerable pipes
By stevepb on Pixabay
Although Texas has relatively mild winters, your pipes can still freeze if they aren’t properly insulated. If you have any exposed water supply pipes outdoors or in your basement, consider adding some extra insulation or heating tape to protect them from the cold.
4. Switch the ceiling fan’s direction
By funeyes on Pixabay
Did you know that your ceiling fan can help keep your home warm in the winter and even lower your heating bills? If you change your fan’s direction so that it moves clockwise, it will force the hot air down and make your home feel toastier. Most ceiling fans have a small button on the hub that controls the direction, so simply press it and your fan will be ready for fall.
5. Prepare your pool for winter
By eminens on Pixabay
Now that summer is coming to an end, you should start preparing your pool for colder weather. Before you close your pool, you should clean the filter, remove debris from the skimmer baskets, and perform a shock treatment to kill any bacteria. If you’re planning to leave your pool open during the winter, consider installing a freeze guard to protect your pool equipment from damage when temperatures drop.
If you don’t have a pool yet but have been contemplating building one, here are five gorgeous in-ground pools to give you some design ideas.
6. Clean the gutters
By 123switch on Pixabay
Clogged gutters can cause issues like foundation damage and basement flooding, so it’s important to clean them. We recommend purchasing a gutter cleaning kit for your leaf blower so you can remove the debris without getting on your roof.
7. Prune dead tree branches
By MichaelGaida on Pixabay
Dead tree branches not only detract from your home’s curb appeal but also pose a safety risk. They may snap off and fall, especially if snow or ice builds up and puts extra pressure on them. To prevent this from happening, carefully prune diseased branches with a tree trimmer, making sure to cut at a downward angle to prevent rot. If the branches are large or near power lines, you may want to hire professionals to remove them instead.
8. Maintain your lawn
By Pixabay on Pexels
Taking care of your lawn this fall will help ensure that it looks healthy and vibrant next spring. Keep mowing it, water it as needed, and fertilize it to give it the nutrients it needs to survive over the winter.
9. Repair your roof
By Myburgh on Pexels
Cold weather can make shingles more brittle and difficult to work with, so it’s a good idea to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs before the temperature drops.
10. Change the furnace filter
By OVAN on Pexels
A dusty, clogged furnace filter can cause your energy bills to go up and the air quality in your home to go down. It’s recommended that you change it once every ninety days so it stays nice and clean.
Whether you’re looking to install a pool before the ground freezes or build a fireplace to keep your family warm all fall and winter, we’re here to help! Give us a call today to get your free quote.
