Fall Home Maintenance Tips

With fall underway, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to make your home more comfortable for the coming winter. Even though we don’t have to brace for frigid temperatures in Southern California, we still have plenty to do this time of year. Fall home maintenance involves checking in on essential systems, like your electric and HVAC, addressing repairs you may have held off over the summer, and making finer adjustments to your home so it’s cozy, safe, and perfectly equipped to care for you and your family.

These important fall home maintenance tips for homeowners can help you make your home more comfortable, save money by avoiding costly repairs and even increase property value.

1. Schedule HVAC Service

Your home’s heating and cooling system is vital to air quality and comfort. Whether you have an HVAC system or rely on other methods, schedule a tune-up with a licensed technician. They can ensure that every aspect of your system is optimized, from its electrical wiring to its air filter and even your thermostat’s settings. One simple visit can enhance your system enough to save you money on heating and cooling all year long.

2. Clean the Gutters

Even if you don’t have to worry about snow, seasonal debris can clog gutters and lead to blockages and water damage during winter showers. Hiring a professional can also help; if your gutters are cracked, loose, or damaged in any way, an expert can easily fix them, replace portions, and keep water flowing freely away from your property.

3. Replace Old Windows and Doors

Replacing outdated windows and doors can improve safety, enhance curb appeal, and make your home more comfortable by sealing air leaks. You may try the new black window frames trend, which is taking the internet by storm thanks to its bold yet elegant look and eye-catching style.

You should consider replacing window panes when they’re around 15 years old. Some may need to be replaced sooner if they offer poor in. Installing new windows made from thicker glass can make your home easier to hear and cool, and the thicker panes are better at reducing noise pollution. Enjoy more peaceful nights and relaxing days with new windows that shine!

4. Power Wash Siding and Driveways

Want to wipe away years of dirt and grime in just a few hours? Power washing is the answer! This high-pressure cleaning service uses jets of water to blast away bacteria, mold, dirt and debris. It’s perfect for giving your home and pavement a freshly restored finish without paying to replace anything. Most homes benefit from power washing every two or three years. If you’ve never done it, fall is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning!

5. Schedule a Roof Inspection

Yearly roof inspections are part of routine home maintenance; they keep your house secure, catch early signs of damage or decay, and can spare you the cost and stress of needing emergency roof repair in many cases. Many roof warranties also require annual checks by a licensed professional. Protecting your roof can save you money, protect your home, and ensure your coverage stays valid.

6. Mulch the Garden Beds

Adding mulch to garden beds infuses the soil with nutrients and offers a protective layer over your soil, like a warm blanket. Mulching is also good for natural weed prevention and can insulate your plants’ roots against temperature dips at night and in winter.

You can also add mulch around tree beds to help retain moisture. Mulching tree beds in Southern California during the fall is a great way to protect roots from drought, enrich the soil, and prevent erosion.

7. Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

If you don't need a replacement, you can still enhance your home by weatherstripping windows and doors. Weatherstripping kits, which can cost under $25, offer an easy way to improve home insulation, prevent drafts, and deter pests.

To apply weatherstripping, thoroughly clean the door jamb or window frame, then place the adhesive material around it. This could be specialized tape, foam, or a strip that blocks air leaks.

8. Check Your Alarm Systems

Smoke and CO detector checks only take a few minutes, but they could save your life. Run a test using the "test" button on each device; replace the batteries if necessary. You should also check home security systems to make sure they still operate properly, and look at your home's security camera if you have one, to ensure the views are nice and clear.

Experts advise replacing smoke detector batteries every year. You should also make sure you have one installed in every part of your home, including:

- The living room

- Kitchen

- Bathrooms

- Hallways

- Garage

- Outside every bedroom

- In the basement

- The attic

9. Schedule Pool Inspection

Your pool may still be up and running in the fall, but now is the time to get it checked by a professional. After a summer of fun, your pool filter may need changing, and there could be issues with the water's pH levels that need to be balanced. If you plan on closing the pool for winter, it's a great time to work with a professional who can make any necessary repairs and get your pool in top shape for the next season.

10. Schedule Chimney and Fireplace Inspection

You should have your chimney cleaned to prevent the risk of fire. Make sure your fireplace is in good condition with no cracks in the glass door. A professional will also make sure your fireplace's insert door is tightly sealed and address any other issues before it's time for you to toss in the first log.

11. Switch Your Ceiling Fan's Direction

A simple tip to improve home energy efficiency during the fall is to make your fan rotate clockwise. This change helps improve temperature control by creating an upward draft to push warm air down rather than drawing it away from the room.

12. Inspect Your Fence

California's Code 0 changed regulations around wood fences near houses. Due to their high combustibility, wood fences are banned in wildfire-prone areas. The Zone Zero regulation aims to protect lives and properties by minimizing fire risks around structures; wood fences should be at least five feet away from your home to reduce risks.

If you're considering replacing your wood fence, vinyl is a great alternative. It requires zero staining or sealing, lasts 20-30 years, and is even regarded as self-extinguishing.

When it comes to fence inspection, be sure to check the stability of posts and rails, and hire a professional to correct any damages, such as loose hardware, leaning panels, or cracks.

13. Clean Your Dryer Vent

It seems so simple, but many homeowners overlook this practical tip. Dryer vent cleaning safety is designed to prevent fires. All you have to do is pull out your dryer vent after a load and remove the build-up. It's that easy! Such a basic task that only takes a few seconds can prevent a fire.

While this isn't explicitly a fall maintenance tip, it's a good time to remember the importance of cleaning your dryer vent and start making it a habit if you haven't already.

14. Fix Your Driveway

Cracks, holes, or uneven slopes can be frustrating and hazardous. If you can, use a driveway filler to correct any imperfections in your pavement. For extensive damage or resurfacing, contact a professional who can give your driveway a smooth, even finish.

15. Inspect Decks and Railings

Look for signs of damage, like lifting boards, cracks, or loose railings and fasteners. If you have any problems with your deck and railings, have them handled by a professional to ensure your structure stays safe for everyone to enjoy.

16. Adjust Your Thermostat

Fall offers a welcome reprieve if you run the AC at a lower temperature to beat the heat. You can turn the base temperature up a few degrees. The ideal room temperature is between 70 and 72; this not only enhances your home's energy efficiency but also saves you money and reduces strain on your heating and cooling systems.

17. Swap Out Blankets and Bedding

A simple way to stay warmer without running the heat is to replace light, airy cotton sheets with thicker ones, either from a stronger blend of cotton or ones made from flannel. The same goes for blankets; adding an extra one or switching to a heavier comforter can give you more warmth without paying extra for heat all night.

18. Drain Your Water Heater

Over time, your hot water heater experiences sediment build-up, which makes routine tank flushes one of the most important fall home maintenance tips for homeowners. Hiring a professional technician to flush your water heater will ensure you have on-demand access to warm water without the risk of sudden breakdowns or leaks.

19. Clean and Store Lawn Equipment

If you expect to spend less time landscaping in the winter, now is a great time to clean off any gardening equipment and properly store it. Use durable, weatherproof covers, and possibly move any tools or machinery into a shed. Rinse your shovels, rakes, hand tools, lawn mower, and weed trimmer before storing them, so they'll be in perfect condition when spring arrives.

20. Keep Firewood Dry and Covered

Protect your home from fires by storing firewood properly. Whether you're enjoying time around the fireplace or making fall s'mores by the fire pit, your firewood should be dry. Make sure to use only seasoned wood, which has been properly dried. Keep it stacked and covered until you need it; ideally, keep firewood at least 30 feet from your home to avoid attracting rodents and insects.

Getting Ready for Winter

Fall is an exciting season, even if we enjoy warmer weather year-round. We hope you found these important fall home maintenance tips for homeowners helpful. As the year winds down, it's a great time to change your exterior for more enjoyment. One way to enhance your home is to plan for upgrades like exterior door replacement.

Whether you want to create a grand entrance or improve your back door, our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect style and install it quickly!