Fall to Action: A Homeowner’s Guide to Winterizing
Sweater weather is better weather.
The only thing falling this season should be your energy bills.
The Essential Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it's easy to get lost in the season's beauty. But for homeowners in South Carolina, autumn is about more than just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It's the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Taking a few proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and sky-high energy bills when the temperatures drop. This checklist is your essential guide to a more efficient, comfortable, and valuable home all winter long.
Exterior & Yard
Clean and Inspect Your Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from backing up and damaging your roof or foundation. Flush them with a hose to ensure proper drainage before the cold weather sets in. If your downspouts drain above grade, ensure downspout extensions are securely connected and end at least 5 feet from the house. Reposition splashblocks as needed.
Prepare Your Lawn and Garden: Rake up fallen leaves and mow your lawn one last time before winter. Now is a great time for aerating and fertilizing to promote healthy growth in the spring. Weed and feed can also be applied in the fall.
Disconnect Garden Hoses: Drain and disconnect garden hoses and store them in a shed or garage. An insulated faucet cover over the hose bib can reduce potential for frozen lines in winter time. Be sure the foam gasket is in good condition and makes a solid seal onto the exterior wall surface.
Interior & Systems
Seal Air Leaks: Use caulk and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and any other openings. This simple task is one of the most effective ways to save energy and keep your home comfortable all winter. Be sure to use silicone caulk designed specifically for windows and doors, available in interior and exterior. Do not seal over weep holes.
Service Your HVAC System: Change your air filters to ensure good airflow. Ensure condensation drip line outside is attached and draining away from the house. Consider scheduling a professional tune-up for your furnace to catch any potential problems before the heating season begins.
Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all of your detectors to ensure they are working properly. If a battery is low, replace it immediately.
Safety & Maintenance
Inspect Your Roof: Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles. A damaged roof can cause major issues during the winter. It's best to hire a professional if you're not comfortable getting on the roof yourself. This is especially important for late season storms in the Carolinas.
Service Your Fireplace: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified professional. This will prevent chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.
Clean Out the Dryer Vent: A clogged dryer vent is a major fire hazard. Take a few minutes to clean out the lint and debris to ensure your dryer runs safely and efficiently. Check the condition of the exterior vent and cover/louvers.