Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust
vents to exterior of home. While the
dryer is running, check that the exhaust is
coming out. It should smell nicely of fresh
laundry. If there isn't much exhaust, check
for blockages as well as you can. You may
need a professional. Also vacuum the lint
from the hose at the dryer.
Fa l l
F
all is an in-between season where
you're finishing up your summer home
maintenance tasks as well as getting your
home ready for winter. Cold, snow, and rain
can do a number to a home, so you don't
want to ignore winter preparation.
Flush hot water heater and remove
sediment. This prolongs the life of the
heater and helps with efficiency as well.
Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove
and store window units. If you have central
air, cover the outside unit with a tarp or
plastic sheeting and secure with bungee
cords.
Get heating system ready for winter. Check
for any leaks in windows or doors; these
can cost an arm and a leg. Make sure
heating vents are open and not blocked by
furniture. Get furnace serviced/inspected at
least every other year, preferably annually.
Clean garage. Cleaning the garage should
be a summer ritual for everyone. Keeping
it clean and tidy will extend its life, and it
often gets neglected of regular care. With
all the extra dust it gets from the manly
projects you're working on, you should
actually clean it even more. Once a year,
however, give a thorough going-through.
As with the AC, this shouldn't be a huge
expense. Don't forget about fireplaces if
you have them.
Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets.
Also flush hoses and store them. Winterize
sprinkler systems as well, if you have one.
Get chimney cleaned, if you have one.
Some folks say to do this in the spring,
some say fall. Either way, just make sure it's
done once per year.
Test sump pump. You don't want to wait
until you need your sump pump to find out
it's not working.
Check driveway/pavement for cracks.
Make sure to have re-sealed before winter;
water can freeze and expand in the cracks,
causing more damage.
Buy winter gear. Have sidewalk salt, good
shovels, etc. ready for winter. You never
know when that first snow will come!
