As you enjoy the crispness of the autumn air, the sounds of your favorite football team, and the smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven, remember to take the time for some fall maintenance items – these will help to maintain the safety and value of your home and property.

Indoor

• Have heating systems cleaned and inspected. Change air filters.
• Check fire extinguishers for expired units.
• Check batteries in smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.
• For wood burning fireplaces, have them cleaned to eliminate cresol. Open dampers prior to first fire.
• For gas fireplaces, check flow of gas and have serviced for any blockage.
• Check windows for cracks and leaks. Caulk any warped spots or loose spots to prevent heat loss.
• Electric outlets and light switches on exterior walls can let drafts rob you of your warm heated inside air. Special thin Styrofoam insulation template pieces, found at most hardware and home improvement stores, are made just for these drafts.

Outdoor

• Shut down outdoor plumbing and drain the water in pipes by opening the hose bibs to avoid pipes bursting in cold temperatures.
• Seed your lawn to replenish grass in bare spots as well as to fertilize the grass. Nutrients will seep into the soil over winter.
• Clean gutters of leaves and debris.  Inspect gutters for leaks.
• Trim shrubbery around HVAC equipment to allow ample air flow.
• Plant your bulbs for spring blooms.

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