Proper fall home maintenance

Quick checklist: Fall home maintenance

Before winter sets in, be sure to:

• Inspect your heating and air conditioning systems
• Clean or replace your ventilation system filters
• Check that your doors and windows are properly sealed.
• Clean your gutters
• Inspect your roof for signs of damage
• Put away outdoor equipment and furniture
• Winterize your pool or hot tub, if applicable

A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home from cold temperatures, moisture and seasonal wear and tear.

Before you begin, take time to plan!

Don’t put on your work gloves and boots just yet. Think about how all this manual labour should be organized.

Create a checklist and stay on track

What would you do without it? Right? You’d most likely figure it out, but it often makes life easier for us all the same. So why not just make one?

Take a few minutes to decide what tasks you have to add to your to-do list. Then enjoy the satisfaction of checking each item off as you go. And with several fall maintenance tasks ahead of you, that list will come in handy.

Indoor maintenance tasks to tackle this fall

Before the cold weather sets in, set aside some time for a few indoor maintenance jobs. Start by cleaning your carpets and upholstered furniture. Over the summer, dust, pollen and other airborne particles can gradually accumulate inside your home, especially when windows are often left open. A thorough refresh now will help create a cleaner, more comfortable environment before the heating season begins.

Heating and air conditioning: full of hot air

Having your heating and cooling systems professionally maintained each year can help keep your home comfortable in every season. If you haven’t had it done recently, consider having your system and air ducts inspected and cleaned by qualified professionals.

Based on the type of equipment you have:

Hot water heating: lubricate the circulation pump, bleed air from the radiators.

Central heating system: remove and clean the warm air registers and vacuum inside the ducts. Replace the filter as needed.

Air exchanger or heat recovery ventilator (HRV): Start by cleaning indoor vents and grilles to get rid of accumulated dust. Be sure to clean the filters as well. Outside, inspect the air intake and exhaust vents and clear away any leaves, twigs, cobwebs or other debris that may be blocking them. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.

Portable humidifier: Rinse and change the filter. Wash the tank (with vinegar) and disinfect it (with 5 ml of bleach for every 4 L of water).

Air conditioning: Your air conditioning unit may be heading into its off-season, but it still benefits from a fall maintenance check. Inspect the filters and make sure they are in good condition, following the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.

Portable air conditioner: use a protective cover or remove it from a window altogether.

If you have auxiliary heating, such as a fireplace, think about putting our maintenance recommendations into action to prevent the risk of fire. You’ll enjoy the welcoming warmth in peace. Ask for help from professionals if you need it.

Reduce heat loss before winter sets in

Want to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient this winter?

• Remove window screens to allow hot air to reach the windowpane and reduce the risk of condensation.
• Check that your doors and windows are properly sealed. Light a match and hold it near your window and door frames to check for drafts. Did the flame flicker? That means air is getting in.
• Make sure your garage door closes properly.

Before you move on, give your blinds and curtains some attention as well. Over the months, they can accumulate dust and allergens just like other surfaces in your home.  You’ll also help improve airflow, allowing warm air to circulate more efficiently once the heating seasons begins.

Fall exterior maintenance: What to check around your home before winter

There’s also some things you have to do outside your home before the cold season arrives. Avoid nasty surprises (and water damage) by checking these various points. From bottom to top...

Foundations: Take a close look at your home's foundation. Any cracks in the concrete should be evaluated and repaired by qualified professionals to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Window wells: Remove leaves and other debris. The idea is to keep water and moisture away from your windows.

Eavestroughs: remove any branches, leaves and other debris you find. Then ensure that anchors are securely fastened. Adjust them as needed. Pour some water in the downspout to check if it flows efficiently.

Roof: Clean and inspect it (metal flashings, skylights, joint sealings, etc.)

If your roof is covered with asphalt shingles, check their condition, especially in valleys, where wear is often more significant. Shingles that are curling, cracking or breaking may be a sign that repairs are needed or that it may be time to consider replacing the roof. If work is required, it is best to have it completed before winter arrives.

Planning to renovate?

If renovation work is on your to-do list, consider choosing materials that stand up well to moisture and water, such as ceramic tile, epoxy, cork or vinyl.

In the event of a claim, some insurers will reimburse part of the additional reconstruction cost if you go with these materials.

Finally...

Store your garden furniture, put away your barbecue, lawnmower and watering hose. Don’t worry, you can put it all back outside in the spring. Cover or protect vulnerable trees and shrubs to help shield them from snow, freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds.

Oh, one last thing...

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, make sure to winterize it properly before the first freeze:

• Add antifreeze to protect key components from freezing temperatures.
• Lower the water level but keep enough water in the pool to support its structure.
• Bring pumps indoors for the winter.
• Ensure the heat pump has been properly winterized.

Taking the time to close your pool correctly can help protect your equipment and minimize the risk of winter-related damage. You’ll less likely to face repairs or a home insurance claim. As an added bonus, getting your pool up and running again in the spring will be a lot simpler.

Are you done?

Pat yourself on the back! You’ve completed your homeowner’s homework. Now move on to the next goal and take advantage of the season to nurture... your well-being. (Phew!)

It’s time to treat yourself and admire the colourful scenery surrounding you.

Happy Fall!

FAQ

Why is fall home maintenance important?

Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter and take care of potential issues before they turn into bigger problems.

When is the best time to clean my eavethroughs?

The best time is after most of the leaves have fallen, but before freezing temperatures set in.

Why should I check the weatherstripping around my doors and windows?

Good seals help prevent heat loss, reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable.

Do I need to service my heating system every year?

Absolutely. Routine maintenance helps keep your heating system running efficiently and can help extend its useful life.

How do I know if my roof needs repairs?

Signs such as cracked, curled or missing shingles may indicate that repairs are required.

What should I do with my pool before winter?

Properly winterize and close your pool following the manufacturer’s recommendations to help protect its components throughout the winter months.