As summer winds down and cooler temperatures arrive in New England, it’s a good time to start preparing your home for fall and winter. A little seasonal maintenance now can help protect your home from some of the problems that colder weather, snow, ice and freezing temperatures can bring. If you have any questions, contact our office at 413.475.7283 or complete our online quote form today!
Service Your Heating System
Before you turn on the heat for the season, consider having your furnace or heating system professionally inspected and serviced. A professional can inspect important components, change the filter, check electrical connections, look for leaks and verify that safety features and ventilation are working properly. It’s much better to discover a heating-system issue during a fall maintenance appointment than on the first freezing night of the season.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Falling leaves and other debris can quickly clog gutters and downspouts. When water cannot drain properly, it can contribute to water damage around your roof, siding and foundation. Clean your gutters and inspect your downspouts before winter arrives. If necessary, add extensions to help direct water away from your home and foundation.
Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Cooler temperatures can make drafts much more noticeable. Inspect areas around windows and doors for cracks or gaps, and use appropriate caulk, weather stripping or window insulation to help keep cold air outside and warm air inside. Don’t forget to look for other potential openings, including areas where cables, phone lines or other utilities enter your home.
Winterize Outdoor Water Sources
Freezing temperatures can cause water left inside outdoor plumbing and hoses to freeze and expand, potentially leading to cracked pipes or damaged equipment. Before temperatures drop below freezing, disconnect and drain garden hoses, store them in a dry location, and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems as needed. Taking care of these tasks before the first hard freeze can help prevent avoidable winter problems.
Get Your Tools and Equipment Ready
Fall is also a great time to take inventory of your tools and seasonal equipment. Clean and properly store summer equipment, organize your garage or shed, and inspect items you’ll rely on during the winter. If you own a snow blower, generator or other emergency equipment, test it before you actually need it. Replace worn or damaged tools and keep commonly needed winter supplies accessible. The Hartford also recommends servicing snow blowers and testing emergency generators before severe winter weather arrives.
Complete a Home Safety Check
Your fall checklist should include more than maintenance. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, inspect fire extinguishers and review your household emergency plan. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, consider having the fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before using it regularly during the colder months.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Seasonal maintenance is an important part of being a prepared homeowner, but it’s also worth reviewing your homeowners insurance coverage periodically. Your home, belongings and circumstances can change over time, so fall can be a convenient reminder to review your policy and discuss any questions with your insurance agent. Ready for the Change of Seasons? From servicing your heating system to cleaning gutters, sealing drafts and winterizing outdoor water sources, completing a fall maintenance checklist can help prepare your Massachusetts home for the months ahead. Taking care of these tasks before freezing temperatures arrive can help you head into winter better prepared.
Chat with an Encharter agent about your insurance today:
413.475.7283
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Source: The Hartford, A 14-Point Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Fall
