Summer has come and gone, and now it’s time to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Between watching the leaves change and sipping on your favourite hot beverage, there’s a lot to love about this time of year.
Of course, there are also some not-so-fun things about autumn—and one of the biggest may be the increased need for home maintenance. The good news? By keeping on top of your property’s upkeep, you can prevent some of the major issues that tend to arise when colder weather hits.
Here are five things you can do in the fall to prepare your home for winter…
1) Prepare your lawn
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably perform most of your lawn care in the spring and summer. The truth is, caring for your grass is just as important when fall rolls around! That means fertilizing to promote root health, and keeping up with the mowing and watering while your lawn is still growing.
Early fall is also a great time to tackle sparse areas. By aerating and seeding now, you’ll give new grass a chance to take hold—and come back looking healthy in the spring!
2) Inspect your gutters
It’s nobody’s favourite job, but it needs to be done. I’m talking about pulling out the ladder to get up close and personal with your gutters. Once winter comes, any existing leaves and debris are going to freeze. That can cause sagging and even lead to water damage!
Once you’ve cleared your gutters, give them a rinse with the hose. Watch for any leaks, loose screws, and warped or broken surfaces. Ideally, these issues should be repaired before the first snowfall.
3) Disconnect your hoses
It’s a simple task, but it could prevent some major annoyances down the road. During a cold Toronto winter, hoses and outdoor faucets can freeze—and that can pose a potential hazard to connected pipes inside. Luckily, this outcome is easily avoidable!
Start by shutting off the valves that lead outside. Next, drain any existing water from the lines. Lastly, coil and store your hoses for the winter—just make sure they aren’t kinked or pinched before you put them away. You may also want to purchase some outdoor faucet covers from your local home improvement store.
4) Seal the drafts
I’m a big fan of fall colours and cozy sweaters—but I’m less partial to cold drafts! This season, I suggest keeping your home warm in the most energy-efficient way possible. That means finding places where the cold air is getting in and taking steps to seal them.
Door sweeps and weatherstripping are relatively inexpensive ways to minimize drafts. If you don’t already have them, installing double-pane windows can provide a more permanent solution.
5) Give your furnace a tune-up
When winter weather hits, the last thing you want is to be left out in the cold. That’s why I suggest tending to your furnace—before the temperature drops. Start with your filters. Once your furnace is in use, you’ll want to replace them every three months!
If it’s been a while since your HVAC was serviced by a pro, now might be a good time to call somebody in. Taking this step is essential if you’re noticing a lot of soot, your pilot light isn’t blue, or your furnace is shutting off at random intervals.
Fall is a season that’s meant to be enjoyed—just don’t forget that winter lies ahead. With a bit of foresight, you can ensure that your home is in good condition all year long!
Thinking about selling your home? When you’re ready, I’m here to help. Reach out to connect with me today!
