Check Your Roof
The summer’s sun exposure, storms, plus general wear and tear can cause roof and siding materials to warp, crack, and more. Look for any damaged shingles or siding and other damage; it will be much easier to fix these issues now than in the midst of winter if it starts to leak or is otherwise damaged.
Clean the Gutters
Fall will drop a ton of freshly fallen leaves into your gutters no matter what you do, but getting ahead of that can prevent water damage and other high-cost repairs. Take some time (or, better yet, have a handyman come by) to check your home’s gutters for dead leaves and other potential blockages. If there are any, have them cleared them out so water can properly drain. Gutter covers are a great investment if you have trees around your home.
Sweep the Chimney
If you plan to use the fireplace this fall and winter, make sure the chimney is clean and in good shape. (And make sure no squirrels or other critters have taken up residence inside!) A blockage in the chimney can cause a fire or other hazards and be an inconvenient mess. Get ahead of any smoke- or ash-related issues by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning.
Unhook outdoor hoses
Unhooking hoses for the winter can prevent cracks and leaks. When you use your hose and turn the spigot off, there is still water in the wrapped-up hose, including some water still in the line going to the spigot. During the colder temperatures, this water can freeze, causing the water in the pipes to crack.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Prep your home’s exposed pipes with foam or heat tape. The most at-risk pipes are often those in unheated areas such as crawl spaces and garages.
Look at the Weather-Proofing
Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in—cracked, chipping, or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.
Schedule a Furnace Checkup
Schedule early in the month for your furnace to be serviced. As temperatures drop, service companies get busier. Whether you hire your heating company’s technician or a contractor to do it, they’ll clean soot and corrosion from the combustion chamber, replace filters, and check the whole system for leaks, clogs, or damage.
Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Most have a switch to allow the ceiling fan blades to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise — one way pushes air down to create a nice breeze and the other sucks air up, helping to distribute the heat. Think counterclockwise when it’s warm and clockwise when it’s cool.