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Fall Cleaning/Maintenance Checklist | Prepping your home for the deep chill

The golden leaves are falling, which means it is time to take in those deep breaths of crisp autumn air and tackle some seasonal chores around the home in preparation for the colder months. Thankfully, with a spiced chai in hand, comfortable temperatures, and the delightful smells and sounds of fall, the to-do list can actually be quite enjoyable! We’ve put together this Fall Cleaning/Maintenance Checklist for you – so, you’ll be ready and organized.

Interior

– Change HVAC settings and inspect/clean all equipment
– Change furnace filters
– Test and clean sump pump. If you have a back-up, make sure it is in working order
– Check plumbing hoses – bibbs, ejector, boiler, sump pump
– Adjust/Maintain appropriate humidity in home:
If outside temperature is 20 to 40 degrees, humidity indoors should not be more than 40 percent
If outside temperature is 10 to 20 degrees, humidity indoors should not be more than 35 percent
If outside temperature is 0 to 10 degrees, humidity indoors should not be more than 30 percent
If outside temperature is 10-below to 0, humidity indoors should not be more than 25 percent
If outside temperature is 20-below to 10-below, humidity indoors should not be more than 20 percent
– Order firewood, if you have a wood burning fireplace
– Test safety devices: check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and review the expiration date on your fire extinguisher
– Seal tile and grout every 3-4 years

 

Exterior

– Clean gutters and gutter screens
– Inspect roof for any loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Also, check for cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing
– Disconnect outside water hoses and shut off exterior faucets
– Powerwash and seal concrete patios, walkways, stairs and driveways every two years
– Stay on top of snow clearing – around turrets, flat roof, porches as needed
– Inspect paint and do touch-ups as needed
– Seal gaps where critters could enter
– Schedule a chimney cleaning and check chimney cap

 

 

Lawn & Garden

– Care for trees and shrubs by removing spent stems and dead branches
– Rake remaining fallen leaves and mow grass to around 2”
– Aerate, fertilize, and reseed
– Remove debris from flower beds, add mulch, and wrap/protect any plants that are vulnerable in the deep cold
– Plant bulbs, shrubs, or trees
– Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture and pottery
– Have irrigation system drained and serviced. Flag any heads near driveways or walkways to prevent damage during snow removal.
– Mark your driveway with stakes for snow removal

 

 

 

Misc.

– Check condition of snow shovels and ice scrapers; replace as needed
– Purchase bags of ice-melt/salt, if needed
– Take inventory of emergency kits for car and home
– Have snow blower serviced and purchase fuel, or schedule snow removal service