School is in session, the days are getting shorter and there is that crisp feeling in the air, autumn is right around the corner. Now is the time to do some basic maintenance procedures, your home will last longer, provide better insulation in winter, and provide for low-maintenance solutions later on.

Start with the exterior of the house, examine weather-stripping around doors and determine whether windows or other spaces need caulking.  Be sure to also check the roof, you’ll want to replace any cracked or damaged shingles or roofing pieces, as well as clean gutters and downspouts so that leaves and fall debris don’t block drainage. Inspect your landscaping and determine which plants require a trip indoors to survive the cold season, and don’t forget to prune or cover plants that will remain outside for the winter months.  After you mow the lawn for the final time, service the lawnmower by changing the oil and inspecting the sparkplugs. Also be sure to fertilize your yard with a high phosphorous mixture to promote root growth for a green, healthy yard in the spring. Remember fall is the time to plant flower bulbs such as tulips and daffodils!

For the interior of the house, schedule for your furnace and heating system to be inspected and serviced before the first time you turn it on for the season. Many homeowners find out the hard way that their system is not working properly on that first cold day, be prepared and have it inspected ahead of time. Also take the time to clean heating ducts, registers as well as humidifiers to make sure the air circulating in your home is clean. If you’ve got a fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean and inspect it before using it again as well have your chimney inspected and cleaned. As a general rule, fall is also a good time to replace smoke and fire alarm batteries throughout your home.

By following these simple preventative tips, you will be able to enjoy your autumn and not worry about things when winter comes.  Spring will eventually come and those bulbs you planted will be a welcome sight!