Fall Maintenance tips for Homeowners

This time of year, the seasons are changing in Illinois. That inevitable drop in temperature sends an important signal to homeowners: it’s our last chance to complete those fall home maintenance projects before chillier weather arrives.


If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a few repairs or maintenance tasks you’d still like to complete before the weather gets too cold. If you’re a new homeowner, you might even have some questions about where to begin. Here are some expert tips and advice for homeowners on home repairs and preparations to make just in time for the cooler seasons.


Chimney and Fireplace
Your chimney and fireplace will undoubtedly be getting more use in the coming months. It’s best to be proactive and have them professionally inspected and cleaned before it gets too cold. For example, the average cost to clean and inspect a chimney or fireplace ranges from $146 to $670 in Naperville, IL. This is an important and affordable way to ensure your home is well prepared for cooler weather this year.


Protect Your Pipes
Damaged pipes cost homeowners billions of dollars each year. That’s a shame, considering this is one of the easiest repairs to avoid. For starters, you can insulate your waterline pipes using special materials such as pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even one-fourth inch of newspaper. Another thing you can do on cold nights is leave your water faucets trickling. This will encourage water flow in your home.


Replace Your Air Filters
This is another affordable and easy task that any homeowner can do on their own. Ideally, your air filters should be seasonally replaced to help prolong the engine life of your air conditioner. By completing this simple task as the seasons change, you’ll help avoid costly repairs in the future. Replacing your air filter also improves your health by removing the nasty bacteria, viruses, allergens, and dust mites that love calling your air filter their home.


Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Carbon monoxide poisoning strikes three Americans each hour and kills hundreds every year. Luckily, this is a very preventable problem by purchasing a carbon monoxide test kit, a carbon monoxide detector, and smoke detectors for your home.


Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors at least once per month, if not every week. You should also replace the batteries for your battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector whenever you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall. Remember, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors save lives but only if we keep them in working condition.


As you can see, many of these fall home maintenance projects are quick and affordable. Whether you complete your home maintenance yourself or hire a professional, it is important to take the time to walk through the steps listed here. Not only will it prepare your home for the upcoming cold weather, but it will also protect your family and your health.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Outsite Co

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