As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the fall season in New England. With fall comes cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and the anticipation of winter just around the corner. Preparing your house for the season not only helps keep it comfortable and energy-efficient but also ensures it’s ready for the challenges of New England’s colder months.
At Circa 72, we know how important it is to take proactive steps to maintain your home’s value and functionality. Whether you’re getting your house ready for the season or preparing to put it on the market, these fall maintenance tips will help you protect your investment and enjoy the cozy months ahead.
1. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
One of the most important tasks to tackle in the fall is cleaning your gutters. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage when rain or melting snow can’t drain properly. Clogged gutters can cause roof damage, leaks, and even foundation issues if water isn’t directed away from your home.
What to Do:
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
Check for any cracks, leaks, or sagging sections that need repair
Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs
2. Seal Windows and Doors
As temperatures drop, you want to keep your home warm and energy-efficient. Drafts around windows and doors can let cold air in and increase your heating bills. Inspect your windows and doors for gaps or cracks and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent heat from escaping.
What to Do:
Check window and door frames for drafts
Apply caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors
Install weatherstripping to improve insulation
3. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and fall is the perfect time to inspect it for any damage before winter weather arrives. Check for missing, damaged, or loose shingles that could lead to leaks or other problems during heavy rain or snow.
What to Do:
Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles
Check for signs of wear around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Hire a professional roofer if repairs are needed
4. Service Your Heating System
As the weather cools down, it’s essential to make sure your heating system is ready for the season. A well-maintained furnace or boiler will run more efficiently and can help prevent costly breakdowns during the winter.
What to Do:
Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up
Replace or clean air filters to improve efficiency
Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly
5. Rake Leaves and Clean Your Yard
Fall leaves are beautiful, but they can cause problems if left on your lawn. Thick layers of leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, potentially leading to dead grass and other issues come spring.
What to Do:
Rake leaves regularly to prevent buildup on your lawn
Clear leaves from flower beds, walkways, and driveways
Use fallen leaves as mulch or compost for your garden
6. Prepare Your Garden and Landscaping
As you wrap up your gardening for the year, it’s important to take steps to protect your plants and landscaping for the winter months. Pruning, mulching, and winterizing your garden can help your plants survive the cold and thrive in the spring.
What to Do:
Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs
Apply mulch to protect plants and retain moisture
Remove annual plants and cut back perennials
7. Check Your Chimney and Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, fall is the time to get it ready for cozy nights by the fire. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s safe to use, and stock up on firewood before the colder months set in.
What to Do:
Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning
Check your fireplace for any cracks or damage
Ensure your chimney cap is secure to prevent debris or animals from getting inside
8. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses and Sprinklers
Before temperatures drop below freezing, make sure to drain and store your garden hoses and winterize your sprinkler system. This will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter months.
What to Do:
Drain and roll up garden hoses for storage
Shut off outdoor water valves to prevent freezing
Winterize your sprinkler system by draining the pipes or hiring a professional
9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With the increased use of heating systems and fireplaces in the fall and winter, it’s essential to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test all detectors and replace batteries if necessary to keep your home safe.
What to Do:
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home
Replace batteries in detectors if needed
Ensure you have detectors on each floor and near bedrooms
10. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Did you know that reversing the direction of your ceiling fans can help keep your home warmer in the fall and winter? Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch that allows the blades to spin clockwise, pushing warm air down from the ceiling to keep rooms more comfortable.
What to Do:
Locate the reverse switch on your ceiling fan
Set the fan to spin clockwise to circulate warm air
Use fans on a low setting to improve heating efficiency
Get Ready for Fall with Circa 72
Fall is a beautiful time in New England, and preparing your home for the season will help you enjoy it to the fullest. At Circa 72, we know that taking care of your home is a key part of maintaining its value and comfort. Whether you’re getting your house ready for the season or preparing to sell, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with all of your real estate needs in New Hampshire.
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