The holiday season and cold breezes will be here before we know it! Our team at Staples and Associates knows how quickly the time goes, so we’ve pulled our annual upkeep reminders into this cheat sheet. Before the end-of-year rush sets in, peruse our fall home maintenance tips. 

Winter Prep: Home To-Do List for October and November 

The Grand Switch 

The change of the season is a great way to remember to change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, filters for your HVAC system, and water softeners or purifying system filters.

Pro Tip: For any replacement filters, write the date that it was changed on the filter when you insert it. 

Outdoor Refresh

While you’re outside collecting leaves and debris, be sure to do a check of your foundation for cracks and ensure both gutters and downspouts are clear and working properly, so that water or melting snow moves away from your home’s crawl space. 

Winterize Doors and Windows 

Fall is a perfect time to check that each of your exterior doors has working weather stripping to prevent cold air from coming through cracks. Check that each of your windows can open and close, and seal any cracks around windows. 

Seasonal Cleaning

When the temperatures cool in fall, it’s a great time to take on some of the annual cleaning projects for your home’s appliances, or to have them professionally serviced. Clean fireplaces and chimneys, pellet stoves, ceiling fans, dryer vents, and dishwasher filters. Consider whether it’s time to have a professional flush your water heater, empty a septic tank, or repair any insulation in your crawl space or attic. 

Take Photos and Store Them 

It’s so important to have updated photos of your home and your belongings, just in case you need to make an insurance claim. Store them in a fireproof safe or in cloud-based storage. 

And, if you have any questions about your home insurance policy, set up a meeting with one of our knowledgeable agents.