HOME HACKS – WINTER PREP

15 Fast Fall Projects for Homeowners

It’s officially fall (already!), which means it’s time to preparing your home for the winter ahead. Here are 15 things (most of which you can do yourself) to help keep your house warm, cozy, and efficient until spring.

“The most important maintenance for a homeowner to do in the fall would be trimming [the] dead out of trees,” says Bryan Gilles, owner and arborist at Arbor Doctor in Calabasas, California.

 

1. Care for trees and shrubs.
Fall pruning is crucial for winter prep – take the opportunity to trim trees while they have fewer leaves – this helps you see their structure and spot weak points to clip or cable/brace before snow and ice hit.

2. Rake leaves, prep lawn. Leaving fall leaves can on your lawn can inhibit spring growth. Thoroughly rake and dispose of leaves, and aerate your lawn, adding a winterizing fertilizer to help promote root growth.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts. Prevent potentially expensive damage to your foundation and landscaping next spring by cleaning gutters and downspouts in the fall, after most of the leaves have fallen. Otherwise, clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding. Also secure any sections that are loose or sagging before they’re under the weight of snow and ice. How-To Clean Gutters.

4. Check the roof. Look for loose or warped shingles and replace as necessary to prevent leaks.

5. Seal gaps where critters could enter. Critters are prepping for winter too – looking for warm places to nest until spring. Vulnerabilities can lead to torn insulation, broken pipes and wires, and other damage. Check under and around your home for small holes and cover them with heavy-duty hardware cloth to keep critters out. Pay attention to any exterior areas that lead to attic access.

6. Check entryways. Winter ice and snow make everything more dangerous by default, so take the time to check your driveway, railings, steps, and porch for anything that’s loose or broken. Also check your exterior lighting for any bulbs that need to be replaced.

7. Gather winter supplies.

• Do you have shovels and scrapers in good condition? Move these supplies to the front of the garage for easy access.
• Do you need ice-melt, salt or sand?
• Do you have emergency kits in your home and car?
• Is your snowblower in working order? Do you need to restock fuel? Change the oil and spark plug if needed.

8. Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. This is also a good time to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and restock batteries.

9. Protect pipes. Shut off exterior faucets and drain and store hoses indoors before the weather dips below freezing.

10. Remove window A/C units. If you must leave them in, be sure to completely cover the exterior with an insulating wrap to prevent cold air from coming in.

11. Replace screens with storm windows and doors.

12. Add weatherstripping. You can use anything from an old flannel shirt to felt to help prevent heat loss and cut energy costs. See a Weatherstripping guide from This Old House

13. Clean dryer vents. Cool, dry fall weather increases static electricity, which can ignite lint that has built up and cause fires. Take precautionary measures by cleaning vents and ducts out every fall by hiring a professional or doing it yourself: step-by-step guide with photos

14. Conduct a DIY energy audit. Assess your home’s energy efficiency using this great DIY audit guide by Seattle.gov. There are a variety of things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency from switching appliances to blocking drafts. Or, hire a professional.

15. Heating system maintenance. Clean or replace dirty air filters and have your furnace checked by a professional before the Polar Vortex returns – especially if you hear any screeches or whines which could indicate damaged blower motor belts. Check humidifiers too – mineral buildup occurs over time and you may need to clean or replace filters. If you have a chimney. have it checked and cleaned and add a chimney cap to keep critters out. Inspect any wood stoves as a safety measure.

Thinking of moving, downsizing, or building a new home? Call (518) 587-4500 to talk to one of our real estate experts, or live chat with an agent now