Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners

Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners

As the vibrant colors of autumn take over Eau Claire and the surrounding areas, it's the perfect time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall is a critical time for home maintenance, ensuring your property is ready to handle the Wisconsin winter. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home or looking to sell in the near future, a little upkeep now can save you from costly repairs later.

Here’s a checklist of essential fall home maintenance tasks every Eau Claire homeowner should tackle:

1. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Why It Matters: Fallen leaves and debris can easily clog gutters, causing water to back up and damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Clean gutters help water flow away from your home, preventing costly water damage.

What to Do: Remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters. Check for any signs of damage or sagging and make repairs as needed. Ensure that downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your foundation. (please use caution or hire a professional when going on the roof or ladder)

2. Check Your Roof for Damage

Why It Matters: Wisconsin winters can be harsh, with snow and ice adding weight to your roof. Any loose or damaged shingles can become a major issue if not addressed before the first snowfall.

What to Do: Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or any areas that may need patching. If you're unsure, hiring a professional roofer for an inspection is a wise investment to avoid expensive repairs in the future. (please use caution or hire a professional when going on the roof or ladder)

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Why It Matters: Gaps around windows, doors, and other areas can let in cold drafts and significantly raise your heating bills. Sealing these gaps also helps keep out pests seeking warmth in your home.

What to Do: Inspect areas around doors, windows, and exterior pipes for any cracks or gaps. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam to seal these areas. This simple step will keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient during the cold months.

4. Service Your Furnace or Heating System

Why It Matters: Your furnace works hard during Wisconsin winters, so it’s essential to make sure it’s in top condition. Regular maintenance not only extends its lifespan but also helps it run more efficiently, saving you money on heating bills.

What to Do: Change your furnace filter and consider having your heating system professionally inspected. This ensures it's operating safely and efficiently. A well-maintained furnace is also more reliable and less likely to break down in the middle of winter.

5. Inspect Your Chimney

Why It Matters: If your home has a fireplace, fall is the best time to ensure your chimney is clean and safe. A dirty or damaged chimney can lead to smoke problems, inefficient heating, or even chimney fires.

What to Do: Have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney and check for any structural issues or blockages. Ensure your chimney cap is intact to prevent animals from nesting inside during the colder months. (please use caution or hire a professional when going on the roof or ladder)

6. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses

Why It Matters: Freezing temperatures can cause water inside hoses to expand, leading to burst hoses or cracked faucets. Draining and storing hoses properly prevents costly damage.

What to Do: Disconnect all garden hoses, drain them completely, and store them in a garage or shed. Shut off any outdoor water valves and drain the faucets to prevent freezing.  **If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, be sure to have it professionally winterized to prevent damage.

7. Winterize Your Lawn and Garden

Why It Matters: Taking care of your lawn and garden in the fall sets the stage for a healthy, lush yard come spring. Fall is also a good time to trim trees and bushes to avoid branches breaking under heavy snow.

What to Do: Rake leaves, aerate the soil, and apply fertilizer to help your lawn recover after the hot summer. Trim overgrown branches, especially those near your home, to reduce the risk of damage during winter storms.

8. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why It Matters: As you start using your furnace and potentially a fireplace, it’s crucial to have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices can save lives by providing early warning of danger.

What to Do: Test each detector in your home, replace old batteries, and ensure they are properly positioned. Consider replacing units that are more than 10 years old to ensure maximum safety.

9. Inspect and Insulate Your Attic

Why It Matters: Proper insulation in your attic helps regulate your home’s temperature and prevents heat loss, which can significantly reduce your heating bills during the colder months.

What to Do: Check your attic’s insulation for any signs of thinning or damage. Add additional insulation if needed to ensure your home stays warm. Proper ventilation in your attic also helps prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

10. Trim Trees and Clear Walkways

Why It Matters: Snow and ice can make walkways and driveways treacherous, so it’s essential to keep them clear and safe. Overgrown tree branches can also pose a risk when laden with snow.

What to Do: Clear fallen leaves and debris from walkways and driveways to prevent them from becoming slippery when wet. Trim back overhanging branches to avoid them breaking under the weight of snow or ice.

Final Thoughts Taking care of these fall home maintenance tasks will not only help protect your home through the harsh Wisconsin winter but also keep it in good shape if you’re thinking about selling in the future. A well-maintained home is always more attractive to potential buyers and can lead to a smoother selling process.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Eau Claire or the surrounding areas, the team at Homcentric® Real Estate, powered by Property Executives Realty is here to help you navigate the process and help you reach your goals.  Schedule your consultation today!