Fall Home Maintenance Tips

If you are looking for some low cost home maintenance projects to do to improve your efficiency or appearance of your home, there are several low cost jobs that can be done without a lot of hassle.

Windows and doors can cost you lots of money on your heating and cooling bills. You don't have to replace your windows (unless you have already allowed for replacement in your budget), simply replacing seals and caulking can improve on your energy costs. However, replacing windows is your Low-Cost Fall Home Maintenance best long-term solution for maximum energy efficiency.

Gutters should be cleaned annually to rid them of clogs from damp, heavy, fallen leaves. Gutters that are not properly cleaned are havens for insect infestations. Clogged gutters can also lead to much more costly repairs due to water damage and wood rot. You can clean the gutters yourself or have them done professionaly.

Be sure to check your roof for any leaks or missing shingles. You will want to replace the shingles that need to be replaced, and patch any holes to help prevent further damage from the sometimes harsh Winter weather.

If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you want to make sure that they have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected before use. This should also be done each year before you start burning wood. Make sure that the chimney is also free from excessive creosote, which could lead to chimney fires.

Frozen pipes, taps, and sprinkler systems can cause you a lot of unecessary headaches. These problems can be easily prevented with just a few simple steps. Make sure to cut off any outside water supply and drain all pipes and hoses completely. Make sure that any inside pipes that are close to exterior walls are properly insulated.

Before the cold weather sets in for the Winter, it's important to be sure and check all of your duct work and heating system. Be sure to also open up the vents and vacuum out any debris. Change your filters before firing up your furnace for the first time this year.

Having sufficient insulation can save you a bundle of money with your heating and cooling costs. Many older homes are sometimes not well insulated, causing you to lose heat through the walls and ceilings. Insulating is relatively simple, and can be done usually in one weekend. Blown insulation, as well as the blower, can be purchased/rented through your local home improvement center.

Autumn is also a good time of the year to do any interior painting. Give your walls a fresh new look with little cost to you. If you have dull, dark rooms in your home, this is the time to brighten them up with a fresh new coat of paint.

If you are looking for some project to keep you busy during the long, dark, Winter months, they should be easy to find. Many home improvement projects require little or no money. Look around and see what projects you can eliminate during the long Winter months.