10 Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

 Fall is here, which means sweater weather, evenings around the fire pit, switching from iced to hot lattes, and maybe finally getting some rain. It also means it is time for some seasonal home maintenance tasks to keep your home safe, functioning properly, and well maintained. To help you make your to-do list for this season, here are 10 fall home maintenance tasks to consider adding.

1. Service your HVAC system. 
It is just about time to start using our heaters, which means it is time to at least change the air filters in your HVAC system. If your air filters are accessible, this is an easy task you can do yourself. If not, you may need to call in a professional. You might also want to schedule a local HVAC professional to clean your ducts or service your furnace if you have not checked these off your home maintenance list recently.

2. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected. 
Annual chimney inspections are important to keep indoor fireplaces functioning properly and safely. The easiest way to accomplish this task is to schedule a local chimney cleaning company, but some handy homeowners might want to take this task on themselves. If so, be sure to look for damage or wear on the chimney, flashing, crown, cap, adjacent walls, and firebox. You also need to check for creosote buildup and make sure the flue is free from obstructions. 

3. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. 
Testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is usually as easy as the push of a button, so this is an easy home maintenance task that you can do yourself. If you do not have five- or 10-year batteries in your detectors, you should also change the batteries. 

4. Replace weatherstripping and door sweeps. 
Improve energy efficiency and save money by adding or replacing weatherstripping and door sweeps around drafty doors and windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this can save between 5% and 30% on annual energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy also has a handy page with everything you need to know about different types of weatherstripping and how to apply it. 

5. Inspect and upgrade your irrigation system. 
Critters love to chew through irrigation lines to get to the water inside, so regularly inspecting your irrigation system is an important part of reducing leaks and conserving water. This is also a good time to make sure sprinkler heads are aligned with your watering needs and that your drip system is free of clogs. If you do not already have a rain sensor, consider upgrading your system with one to make conserving water even easier. 

6. Inspect fire features. 
You will likely start using outdoor fire features more often now that the weather is cooling off, so this is a good time to make sure your fire pit or patio fireplace is clean and functioning properly. 

7. Inspect your roof. 
Check your roof for missing shingles, nails that are sticking up and no longer flush with the surface, and any other type of damage. If you find damage that is beyond your skill level, hire a local roofing company to complete the repairs or do a tune-up on your roof. As part of your roof inspection, you should also look for tree limbs that could become an issue if there are heavy winds, rain, or fire. 

8. Exclude rodents. 
Rodent populations are often at their highest in late summer and early fall, which is when many people will notice an increase in activity. This can become even more evident when they start looking for cozy places to live as the weather gets colder, since those cozy places might be in your attic, walls, or kitchen. To keep rats and mice at bay, inspect the exterior of your home for any holes, gaps, uncovered vents, or missing door sweeps where they can squeeze in. 

9. Test your home for radon.
We are more likely to keep our windows and doors closed in fall and winter, which makes this a good time to test radon levels in our homes. Radon is a clear, odorless gas, so there is no way to know if the levels in your home are unsafe except by testing for it. If your budget allows, you can hire a professional to test for radon and other air quality issues. California residents can also purchase a low-cost, DIY radon test kit. Information is available on the California Department of Public Health website.

10. Clean your gutters. 
You didn’t really think I was going to forget to mention cleaning your gutters, did you? I think this might be the single-most recommended home maintenance task in this column, but it is for good reason. It is one of the simplest ways we can reduce fire risk – which is why I mention is so much – but it is also important for fall home maintenance, since we might finally start getting some rain. One of my clients just had to repair the eaves at three corners of their house because of leaking gutters, which was a good reminder that it was about time I mention this to you again. So, clear any leaves and debris, make sure your downspouts are clog free, and make sure your rain barrels are ready for action.  

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AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.