The season of crisp morning air, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes is upon us! While you enjoy all of these perks found in early fall, it is also an ideal time to get your home in tip-top shape. Maintaining your home will help you to avoid costly repairs and the crisp fall weather makes it easier and safer to take care of your home before the frosty winter weather arrives. So before you and your family head out to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch, get your home cold weather ready with our handy top 10 checklist.

1. Safety First

During the season of fireplaces and heaters, staying warm and safe is a must! Check every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace batteries, and vacuum the dust and debris away from the unit to ensure optimal performance. If you haven’t already, purchase at least one fire extinguisher for each floor of your home. For existing extinguishers, check the pressure gauge (must fall in the green area) and identify any cracks in the hose or nozzle, and also ensure the locking pin is still in place and functional. 

2. Check Doors and Windows

Making your doors and windows airtight is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to eliminate chilly drafts, and also lower your heating bills, which is always nice! Replace any old or cracked weather stripping and recaulk around all windows and other small areas, including the cable, electrical, gas, and phone line entry points.

3. Inspect the Roof

A leaking roof is inconvenient, unsafe, and expensive to repair! Keep your roof in tip-top shape by regularly checking for and replacing missing or damaged shingles/tiles to ensure the decking and underlayment are protected from the natural elements. Inspect and repair caulking around any skylights, vents, and other crevices. Sweep off leaves and remove other debris from the shingles and along with the metal flashing, vents, and chimney. This is also a great time to trim away any branches that may pose a risk to your roof when weighed down with ice and snow. 

Since Oklahoma is a hail hotspot, it is also a good idea to have a licensed contractor out every few years to do a quick inspection of your roof to ensure the spring showers didn’t cause any damage throughout the season. 

4. Clean Gutters

As part of your roof maintenance, be sure to clean out leaves and other debris from gutters. This is also a great time to install a mesh guard over your gutters to prevent future debris and clogs. These easy to install guards can be picked up at your local home improvement store, or ordered online and shipped directly to your front door!

5. HVAC Maintenance

We recommend calling in the pros to get your home’s heating system serviced and ready for the upcoming colder months. Many licensed HVAC companies offer annual or bi-annual service packages. Other things to do include removing any window AC units and stow covered in the garage/shed, or cover the AC unit to prevent rusting.

6. Don’t Forget the Fireplace

Get ready for cozy nights by the fire by taking steps to keep your fireplace or wood-burning stove safe and in working order. The National Fire Protection Association recommends your chimney be inspected and cleaned annually. This is a job we recommend calling in the pros for - especially if your home has a gas fireplace. A chimney sweep should be knowledgeable about the building codes in your area, and also trained to recognize deterioration or venting problems to proactively and accurately advise you regarding the chimney’s condition.

7. Maintain Interior Air Quality

Keep the air in your home clean, healthy, and allergen-free all season long! Now’s a great time to replace air filters and get air ducts cleaned. Also, be sure to dust and wipe down vents, return grills, floor grates, and exhaust fans to ensure the best airflow and to help your unit work efficiently. 

8. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Protect your pipes from freezing and bursting before the blistering cold temperatures arrive. Close shut-off valves that serve outdoor faucets and water sprinkler lines, and ensure the water lines servicing these faucets have been drained to prevent any pipes from bursting. Insulated covers should also be installed over all exterior faucets. These insulated covers come in a variety of shapes and finishes, and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Remove and drain garden hoses and store them in a dry place, and install insulated sleeves to exposed water pipes. Check, replace, or add insulation to the water supply piping in unheated interior areas, like unfinished basements, crawl spaces, attics, and kitchen cabinets.

9. Pest Control

Keep unwanted guests outside by replacing weather stripping around doors, windows, and the garage door and sealing any exterior cracks. Also, be sure to store firewood away from your home to help deter critters and pests from making your home their home. 

10.Prep Front and Back Yards

You’ll thank yourself next spring when your front and backyard landscaping is lush and healthy. Clear leaves, reseed patchy areas in the grass, and plant spring-flowering bulbs. Clean and seal deck, mend fences and gates, and protect outdoor furniture with waterproof covers. Prevent slips and falls on wet or icy walkways around your home by inspecting and repairing cracking pathways or driveway.

Now that your home is ready for the winter months to come, go enjoy all of the fantastic fall festivities!