The leaves are changing color and falling, the temperatures are starting to get cooler, and by now, you’ve probably turned on your heater (unless, of course, you’re a die hard and won’t flip that switch until there’s a hard freeze). Fall is most definitely upon us, but with the change in season comes potential problems if you’re a homeowner.

To help get your mind thinking about those possible hazards, I’ve compiled some fall “to-do’s” and best practices for the most popular problematic areas. 

• Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
• Replace your furnace filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
• Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
• Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it’s fully charged and ready for operation.
• Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure you have a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area and in the hallway outside each sleeping area. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly and change the battery annually or as needed.

This certainly isn’t an all-inclusive list. There may be other household to-do’s to accomplish as well, but taking these simple steps during the fall can help protect your home and property from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.

If you have any questions about areas around your home and other potential hazards, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to make sure your risk is limited as we head into fall and winter!