With fall just around the corner in Pennsylvania, now is the perfect transitional time of year to get your life in check and break out the trust to-do lists. For all things home, we’re sharing nine tasks you may want to do around your home this season – both inside the home and around your property.
Tick these items off your list this fall, and you can rest easy knowing that your home and yard are buttoned up and ready for cooler days ahead.
1. Remove window A/C units
As the temperatures cool down, A/C units will no longer be needed. And while many homes have central air, many older properties in the Central, PA, area still require in-window units. If that applies to your home, plan a time to remove each one and put it safely in storage. By mid to late September, you can expect the hot temperatures to be on their way out and steady, cooler air moving around during the evenings.
2. Deep-clean your kitchen
Transitions in seasons are a great excuse to get out your favorite cleans and do a deep clean of high-use areas — including your kitchen. Not only should you wipe down all countertops, appliances, and door handles, but you may also want to go through your fridge and pantry to get rid of expired foods and donate unused items to a local organization.
Additionally, take this time to check the following off your task list:
- Degrease the range hood and filter
- Clean the oven
- Vacuum the refrigerator coils
- Scrub tile grout
- Clean light fixtures
- Wash the walls and backsplash
- Wash the garbage can and recycling bins
- Stock up on paper goods
3. Replace and clean dryer vents
Lint build-up in your dryer vent can be a huge fire hazard, and the truth is, many people don’t change them out as frequently as they should. Use this time as an excuse to clean out your dryer’s lint build-up and replace the filter. Dry fall weather increases static electricity, which can ignite lint that has built up. Now is a key time to get that lint out and ensure your home stays protected into the fall and winter. If you’re unsure how to clean this or need extra help, call your local HVAC expert.
4. Check your safety devices to ensure they are working properly
Being prepared in the event of an emergency is crucial, so use this time to ensure your home is up to standards with safety devices. In addition to replacing batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check to make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly.
5. Prepare trees and shrubs for changing weather
Now that the inside of your home is ready for fall, it’s time to prepare the outside, too. If you have trees or shrubs on your property, give them the TLC they need before the weather gets cold. Give your trees and shrubs regular maintenance and trimming before you wrap things up to protect them for winter. If you’re unsure how to maintain or protect your trees, call a local arborist for assistance with these areas of your property.
Keep an eye out for broken limbs, abnormally colored leaves, and dead branches on your trees, shrubs, and plants. These can all be signs that you need to call in an expert.
6. Rake your leaves
Leaves look beautiful blanketing the ground, but leaving too many leaves on a lawn over winter in a snowy area can inhibit spring growth and cause patches of dead grass. To keep your yard spring-time-ready, simply rake leaves throughout the fall season as they come down and dispose of them properly. Get a lightweight rake, rubber gloves, and trash bags to collect your leaves and get them removed from your property.
7. Clean out your gutters and downspouts
Once most of the leaves have fallen from your trees, cleaning out your gutters and downspouts is necessary. If you cannot access the gutters yourself or don’t feel comfortable using a ladder, call in an expert for help. Clogged gutters during rain storms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding. Snow may also cause issues with your gutters if leaves are left to rot.
8. Make any needed exterior repairs
Is the exterior of your home in need of some repairs? Now is the time to get them crossed off your list. First, take a walk around your property if you haven’t recently, and look for any signs of damage to your home. This might include damage to your roof, pieces of your siding needing to be replaced, or the foundation of your home showing signs of age. If you spot anything that needs to be repaired, schedule it before winter weather is in full swing.
9. Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance
Before you turn on your heat for the winter, it’s important to make sure your chimney and furnace are cleaned, maintained, and in working order. And if you don’t already have a chimney cap, be sure to add it to prevent critters from crawling down your chimney.
Enjoy the fall season ahead
From your friends at The Matt Weaver Group, we wish you a happy and healthy fall season. By keeping up with these items and others, you will be well-prepared for winter, and your home and property will stay in tip-top shape.