With the fall season fast approaching, it’s once again time to make sure your home is ready for the cooler month ahead—particularly if you haven’t recently purchased a new Main Street home in the Greater Richmond area. Performing these seasonal maintenance tasks not only protects your home, but it also enhances the comfort and energy efficiency of it as the temperatures drop. Read on as we take you through some of our top tips for fall maintenance to help prepare your home for the season. 

Inspect and clean gutters

Falling leaves can quickly clog gutters, leading to water damage when rain or snow starts to accumulate, so you’ll want to clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent any backups, and ensure that the water is directed away from your home’s foundation. This is a simple task every year that is incredibly important and can prevent costly repairs on your home in the future. 

Service your heating system

As you transition from air conditioning to heat, it’s essential to have your furnace and heating system checked—ideally from a professional. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and safely, so make sure that the filters are changed regularly to ensure proper airflow. If you aren’t currently living in a new home, you also might want to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for even more energy savings. 

Check window and door sealing

Drafts around windows and doors can make your home feel colder and increase energy bills, so inspect seals and caulking around all openings—replacing or repairing areas where you find any cracks or gaps. Installing weather stripping is another effective way to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. 

Check insulation

Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm during the cooler months, so this is also an ideal time to take a look at your attic, walls and basement for any signs of inadequate insulation. Having a professional come in to add extra insulation wherever necessary can keep your home warmer and reduce your heating costs. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

With the increased use of heating systems, fireplaces and space heaters, it’s important to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Test every device in your home and replace the batteries if necessary. 

Prepare your lawn and garden

Fall is the ideal time to prepare your outdoor spaces for winter, so be sure to consistently rake the leaves, trim dead branches and aerate your lawn to promote healthy growth next spring. Don’t forget to winterize your irrigation system by draining hoses and shutting off outdoor water to prevent pipes from freezing during the winter months. 

Prepare your home for a worry-free fall

By taking the time to complete these fall maintenance tasks, you’ll ensure your home is safe, comfortable and energy-efficient all season long. Not only will these steps help you avoid potential problems during the colder months, but they’ll also give you peace of mind knowing your home is well-prepared for the changing weather. If you’re looking for more home maintenance tips or have any questions about caring for your Main Street home as the years go on, give us a call at (804) 979-2954 or fill out our online form today.