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Essential Fall/Winter Maintenance Tasks for Your Home

By Darren McClurg, CMI ·

Essential Fall/Winter Maintenance Tasks for Your Home

Fall/Winter Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

It’s important for maintenance on the exterior your home during the fall and winter months.

Preparing, protecting your home for an upcoming season will give you peace of mind & will make your home more energy efficient. Saving you time & money. I’ve put together a list of maintenance tasks that should be done during the fall and winter seasons.

SAFETY

  • Check fire and safety systems; make sure fire extinguishers are charged
  • Know the location of all gas shut-off valves
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries. While it is important to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month, winter is the perfect time of the year to give your home’s detectors a little extra TLC. Take the time to clean out your detectors of dust, spider webs, and debris and replace all of your batteries.
  • Test GFCI and AFCI receptacles and breakers
  • Test garage door electronic sensors and automatic reversal
  • Check all stairs and railings for loose members

FOUNDATION – MASONRY – EXTERIOR

  • Check foundation walls, floors, concrete & masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration
  • Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated or missing mortar
  • Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls
  • Check crawl space for moisture or leakage after wet weather
  • Trim all vegetation back from structure

ROOFS

  • Clean and inspect gutters & downspouts; make sure downspouts divert water away from foundation. Storms are a common occurrence throughout the winter, and with this weather comes debris. Clogged gutters or drainage issues put your home at high risk of overflow and roof damage. Ensure that you are taking the time to clean out and maintain your gutters this season to reduce your risk of damage & leaks.
  • Check for evidence of water penetration in attics and ceilings after wet weather
  • Trim back tree limbs and vegetation away from roof

DOORS AND WINDOWS

  • Check for damaged or missing screens & broken glass
  • Check weather-stripping around doors & windows
  • Check caulking for deterioration at all openings and joints between doors, windows & masonry

INTERIOR

  • Check ceiling areas beneath bathrooms for leakage
  • Inspect walls & ceilings for cracks, sags, and bowing
  • Check ceilings & surfaces around windows for evidence of moisture during wet weather

HEATING AND COOLING

  • Clean or change furnace filters at least every three (3) months of operation
  • Have system(s) cleaned & tuned-up before each heating and cooling season
  • Have evaporator coil inspected & cleaned

PLUMBING

  • Check all faucets, hose bibs & supply valves for leakage
  • Check for evidence of leaks around & under sinks, showers, toilets & tubs
  • Have the septic tank cleaned every two (2-4) years
  • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve
  • Grind a sliced lemon and then 2-3 cups of ice in garbage disposal for freshness & sharp blades
  • Run water down seldom used drains
  • Clean faucet aerators & shower heads with a soft brush to remove mineral build-up

ELECTRICAL

  • Periodically check exposed wiring & cable. Replace at first sign of wear & damage
  • Check all lamp cords & plugs for damage and wear. Replace as necessary.
  • Trip circuit breakers to insure proper function
  • Know location of electrical service panels & label each circuit
  • If circuit breakers trip frequently or appliances spark or short out, contact a licensed electrician
  • Make sure your supply of flashlights have fresh batteries in case of power outage

APPLIANCES

  • Clean refrigerator drain pan
  • Clean dishwasher food filter
  • Check that dishwasher spray arm openings are clear
  • Check dishwasher for leaks
  • Clean kitchen exhaust fan filters

No matter the season, routine maintenance is key to preserving your home & keeping it in good condition. Did you know Bent Nails offers a Home Maintenance Inspections for a comprehensive look at your home? We recommend having your home inspected annually or at least every 3-5 years. Your Home Maintenance Inspection will provide you details of the current condition of your structural systems, electrical systems, heating, ventilation & air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, appliances and optional systems.

Ready to schedule a home inspection? Contact Bent Nails – or schedule your inspection online!