We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick RealtyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty
  • Buy With Us
  • Sell With Us
  • Search for Homes
  • Buy + Sell Guide
Ask Us Anything

About

  • Meet the Team
  • Success Stories
  • Read Our Blog
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Sold Gallery

Services

  • Our Services
  • Buy With Us
  • Sell With Us
  • Our Marketing

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty

448 River Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701

  • 570-321-7000
  • [email protected]

26 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

The changing leaves and cooler temperatures - yes, they will comes soon - are your signal that it's time to tackle your...

  • Becky Shaible
  • October 9th, 2018
  • 4 min read
Featured Image

The changing leaves and cooler temperatures - yes, they will comes soon - are your signal that it's time to tackle your fall maintenance and get  your home ready for winter. It's a good idea to clear many of the items on your list before Halloween, to minimize any hazards for young trick or treaters.

For most of us, our home is the largest investment we will make. That's why it's important to take care of it. And the best way to do that is through regular and preventative maintenance.

If the list seems daunting, try setting up a routine that tackles  your checklist of ongoing and fall maintenance in smaller chunks. It makes the work easier to get done and won't see as time consuming. Remember, having a regular schedule can put a stop to the  most common, and often most costly problems before they can happen.

Regular Checks, not just for fall

  • Make sure air intake and exhaust vents are clear of debris.
  • Check and clean range hood filters monthly.
  • Test ground fault circuits on electrical outlets each month (push the test button, which make the reset button to pop up)
  • If you have young kids, check electrical outlets for safety plugs.
  • Keep an eye out for safety hazards, like loose handrails or buckled flooring.
  • Check your smoke detectors monthly to make sure they are working (and replace batteries this fall).

For the Fall

  • If you're on gas, your furnace should be cleaned and inspected at least every two years (yearly is fine, too) and every year for oil furnaces.
  • If you have hot water radiators, bleed the air from them.
  • Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests. If you have a wood burning fireplace that you like to use in the winter, get it professionally cleaned.
  • If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum them to remove dust. If you heating uses ducts, remove the grilles and vacuum inside the ducts.
  • If you have not yet used  your furnace for the season, turn ON your gas furnace pilot light, if there is one, set the thermostat to "heat" and test the furnace.
  • Once the heating season starts, clean or replace furnace air filters, each month.
  • Make sure the joints on your ductwork are tightly sealed and any Insulation has not tears.
  • Check that bathroom exhaust fans and range hoods are working well, with good airflow (the exterior damper should be help open by the airflow).
  • Remove interior window screens to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass and to allow more solar energy into your home.
  • Make sure doors, windows and skylight close tightly; repair or replace weather stripping if needed.
  • Cover your air conditioner and shut off the power.
  • Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation (so that water does not drain into your basement).
  • Clean leaves from the eaves troughs and roof, and test downspouts for proper drainage from the roof.
  • Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close interior valves to outdoor hose connections and drain the exterior faucet.
  • Winterize landscaping (store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens, protect young trees or bushes for winter).
  • Remove debris and leaves from window wells to allow for proper drainage.

And Especially for Halloween

  • Clear walkways. Don't forget, it will be dark and most visitors will not be familiar with your home.
  • Avoid using candles. Paper and straw decorations aw well as costumes can easily catch fire. uses battery-operated candles and lights instead.
  • Use lots of lights to make access to your door easier.
  • Keep pets contained. Barking dogs can frighten little ones.

Selling Your Home This Fall? 

Get your home's value - our custom reports include accurate and up to date information.

Get Home Value

Author Photo
About the author

Becky Shaible

570-321-7000
Becky's passion is marketing and her wide range of experience from retail management to accounts management helps her everyday.

Similar posts like this

House Hunting Fatigue? Here’s How to Stay Focused in Northcentral PA

Read more

Why Your First Week on the Market Is Crucial in Northcentral PA

Read more

Dream Backyards of 2025: What Luxury Homebuyers Want in Northcentral PA

Read more
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty

448 River Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty

448 River Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701

570-321-7000
[email protected]
  • Services
  • About
  • Careers
  • Success Stories
  • Search for Homes
  • Blog
  • Marketing
  • Mortgage Calculator
  • Virtual Real Estate
  • Contact
  • Our Sold Gallery
Subscribe to our list

Join 1000's of people getting our emails

*We respect your inbox. We only send interesting and relevant emails.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty © 2025

Privacy Policy
Powered by
© 2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC.
An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.