As summer draws to a close, this is a fitting time to hunker down and catch up on your seasonal home maintenance routine before the chilly fall weather sets in. Not sure where to begin? We come bearing several end-of-summer home maintenance tips to make the transition a breeze—whether you’re a fall lover who’s feverish for the coming season or you’re nursing end-of-summer blues.
Cotton on the fact that every season can take a toll on your home. Winter’s high winds and sub-zero temperatures are clear triggers to check and maintain your home. And while it’s not the first instinct of most homeowners, the scorching and humid summer temperatures can also do a number on your home’s structural and aesthetic integrity.
So, are you prepared for the fall season? Is your home in tip-top condition to keep your family safe and cozy as we march into the colder season?
10 End-of-Summer Home Maintenance Tips.
Home maintenance is a full-time commitment! And why wouldn’t it be? Your house is probably your most significant investment, and those unassuming four walls are chock-full of sentimental value. It only makes sense to ensure your home is running like a well-oiled machine by giving it some well-deserved TLC.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
1. End of Summer Landscaping.
Enjoy gardening? That’s great—so do we! As a rule of thumb, it’s best to plan ahead of the seasons. So if you want a lush green lawn and blossoming flowers come next spring or summer, now’s the time to start prepping.
Aerate, overseed, and fertilize your lawn before the cold sets in so your roots have enough nutrients to brave the incoming cold seasons. Also consider planting fresh bulbs depending on their seasonal affinity. On the safety side of landscaping, prune dead or unstable branches before a strong gust of wind sends them crashing along with your house.
2. Double Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room due to carbon monoxide poisoning. One way to protect yourself and your family is to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working and batteries are fairly fresh.
Along these lines, test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries to be safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that having a working smoke detector may reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 55%.
Enjoy gardening? That’s great—so do we! As a rule of thumb, it’s best to plan ahead of the seasons. So if you want a lush green lawn and blossoming flowers come next spring or summer, now’s the time to start prepping.
Aerate, overseed, and fertilize your lawn before the cold sets in so your roots have enough nutrients to brave the incoming cold seasons. Also consider planting fresh bulbs depending on their seasonal affinity. On the safety side of landscaping, prune dead or unstable branches before a strong gust of wind sends them crashing along with your house.
3. Power Wash While the Sun is Still Out.
Fire up your power washer while the weather is still warm. Getting wet should not be a huge concern with the sun’s warm rays on your skin.
The most common spots in your house that could use some pressure washing include the deck, patio, siding, windows, footpaths, the driveway, and fencing. But be careful with painted surfaces and roofing—lest you end up doing more harm than good.
4. Are your HVAC Systems in Order?
When was the last time you cleaned your HVAC system? You’d be surprised at the amount of dirt that can build up there, especially considering summer is one of the most dust-ridden seasons.
Our end-of-summer home maintenance tip is to inspect and clean fans, vents, filters, heaters, and other components to prevent blockages and identify any faults. If the thought of hunkering down in your HVAC sounds too technical, consider calling in a professional to run a thorough test in preparation for the cold fall and winter months.
5. Gutters, Gutters, Gutters.
Cleaning gutters isn’t everyone’s favorite pastime. But it’s a key item on your home maintenance to-do list if you want to prevent leaks and other forms of structural damage.
You probably know that fall and spring are the designated gutter-cleaning seasons. While there is some truth to that, the end of summer is a great time to clear leaves and other clogs before fall foliage makes your task harder.
6. A Top-Down on the Roof.
7. Troubleshoot Your Windows.
8. Ensure the Siding is in Top Shape.
9. You Don’t Want Frozen Pipes.
Damaged pipes can leave a nasty dent in your budget. And as the temperature drops, the risk of damage rises. Homeowners can do themselves a massive favor by thoroughly inspecting their indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures before the sub-zero temperatures expose their weaknesses.
10. Double Down on Your Home’s Insulation.
Get Ahead of Potential Problems
Whether you’re looking to sell your house soon or you simply want better living conditions, keeping your home in spick and span condition year-round is more of an investment than a chore. Think of it as putting up with a bit of elbow grease today to avoid a huge mess tomorrow.
We hope a couple of these end-of-summer home maintenance tips will save you from costly repairs and ensure your fall home is cozy enough for your family.
