Maintenance Jobs That Should Be Tackled Around the Home This Fall
Maintenance Jobs That Should Be Tackled Around the Home This Fall
Before you gear up for the winter, it's time to get your home and HVAC system in top shape. Preventative maintenance should be done on a regular basis to get the full benefit. Here are some important fall home maintenance tasks to add to your list.
Fall Maintenance Tasks to Consider
- Clean air registers. Just as clean and clear ducts are important for airflow, so are registers. Using a vacuum, suck up any dust or debris that has accumulated over the summer. Additionally, keep air registers open as much as possible, even if you don't use certain rooms often.
- Take a trip to the crawl space. Many homes have a problem with insufficient ventilation in the crawl space. This can lead to mold growth and, if left unchecked, can become a big, expensive problem. Mold is bad for your health and can damage your home as well. Look for major signs of mold growth or moisture and call in a professional if there's a potential problem.
- Seal off air leaks. Get into the habit of regularly checking your home for air leaks. They often pop up around doors and windows. Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for any large cracks or holes near the foundation or where plumbing fixtures come out. If you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Inspect and clean roof drainage. Take a look at gutters and downspouts and clear out any leaves or other debris that's accumulated. If water gets backed up, it can cause all sorts of problems when it freezes and expands during the winter. It's much easier to deal with in the cool, dry fall than the icy winter.
