As the air turns crisp and fall weather rolls in, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall is the ideal time to inspect, repair, and prepare your home to ensure it runs efficiently and safely throughout the colder months. By tackling these maintenance items now, you'll prevent costly repairs down the road and enhance your energy efficiency, potentially lowering your utility bills.
Whether you're an established homeowner or new to property maintenance, this easy-to-follow guide simplifies fall preparation by breaking each task into manageable steps. It will also help you determine whether your home insurance policy might cover any seasonal repairs, giving you a better understanding of how to prepare for the season ahead. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive checklist to guide you through essential tasks, from inspecting your roof and gutters to servicing your heating system and sealing drafts.
Key Fall Maintenance Tasks to Help Save Money
A well-planned fall maintenance routine can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency which may help you save money. Here are some of the tasks you’ll want to keep on your fall checklist:
Seal Air Leaks: Start by sealing leaks around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. This simple task can reduce heating costs and ensure your home stays warm no matter the weather. Common places to check: older windows, garage doors, and exterior doors.
Complete an HVAC Inspection: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, consuming less energy and extending its lifespan. It also helps ensure your heating system is in good working order before winter arrives.
Clean Your Furnace: Clean or replace your furnace filter monthly during the heating season. A clean filter boosts air quality and reduces energy consumption.
Drain and Clean Your Water Heater: Pay attention to your water heater. Drain it to remove sediment, which improves efficiency, and consider insulating it to reduce heat loss. Set the temperature at 120°F for optimal savings and safety.
Clean Your Roof and Gutters: Check your roof and gutters, clearing debris like leaves, acorns, and twigs. Clean gutters prevent clogs and ice dams, which can lead to water damage, and save you from costly repairs.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: A reversed fan pushes warm air down, reducing heating needs and potentially lowering your bill.
By diligently tackling these tasks, you're not just preparing for fall but also investing in long-term savings and comfort.
Additional Fall Maintenance to Consider
In addition to the key fall maintenance tasks, there are extra steps to protect your home further and increase its efficiency during the colder months. These additional tasks can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your home is fully prepared for winter:
Clean and Inspect the Chimney: Remove soot and creosote buildup to reduce the risk of chimney fires. Inspect the flue liner, chimney cap, and masonry for any signs of damage. Keeping your chimney clean and well-maintained ensures your fireplace or wood stove operates efficiently and safely.
Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn: Punch small holes in the soil to allow air, nutrients, and water to reach grass roots. Apply a fall-specific fertilizer to strengthen roots for winter and encourage lush spring growth. You can also spread grass seed at this time to help improve the thickness of your lawn. This simple step helps maintain a healthy lawn year-round.
Drain and Store Outdoor Water Systems: Disconnect garden hoses, drain sprinkler systems, and shut off outdoor water valves. Store hoses indoors and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts, helping you avoid expensive water damage repairs.
Service Outdoor Power Equipment: Clean and service lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other outdoor tools before storing them for winter. Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment or add a fuel stabilizer. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your equipment and ensures they're ready for use in spring.
Inspect and Clean Dryer Vents: Clear lint buildup from the entire dryer vent length. A clean vent improves dryer efficiency, lowers energy consumption, and significantly decreases the risk of dryer fires. This often-overlooked task is essential for both safety and energy savings.
Is home maintenance covered by homeowners insurance?
Home insurance typically doesn’t cover routine maintenance or normal wear and tear. These policies protect against sudden, unexpected events rather than the gradual deterioration occurring in a home. Standard home insurance policies generally cover damages caused by specific perils, such as fire, windstorms, hail, or theft. They may also include liability protection in case of an injury on your property. However, problems resulting from poor maintenance, like a roof leaking for years, are usually excluded.
As a homeowner, you’re responsible for performing regular upkeep to prevent more significant issues. This upkeep includes cleaning gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and promptly addressing minor repairs. Failure to maintain your home can lead to claim denials if the insurance company finds proper maintenance could have prevented the damage. Some policies offer limited coverage for certain systems through add-ons or riders. For example, equipment breakdown coverage might help with sudden system failures, though it doesn’t cover routine maintenance.
Understanding your policy’s details and exclusions is essential. Regular home maintenance preserves the condition of your property and ensures you're fulfilling your responsibilities as a homeowner under your insurance policy.
Protect Your Home This Fall With SelectQuote
As autumn approaches, safeguarding your home becomes a priority. Although routine maintenance isn’t covered by standard home insurance, it’s vital for preventing more significant problems that could result in expensive claims. At SelectQuote, we understand the importance of comprehensive protection for your home. By working with our team of experienced licensed insurance agents, you can explore unbiased quotes from several of the nation’s most trusted carriers—all in one place.
