FALL HOME MAINTENANCE

A seasonal checkup for your Maryland home

A few simple tasks now can help your home feel ready for cooer weather. Start with these seasonal reminders, and call a qualified professional for work that involves ladders or heating equipment.

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

Clear leaves and debris so rainwater can flow freely. Check that downspouts direct water away from your home. If the gutters are high or difficult to reach, hire a professional.

See the gutter-cleaning tool

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HEATING SYSTEM & FILTERS

Before colder nights arrive, schedule your furnace or heat pump’s annual professional maintenance. Check the air filter and clean or replace it as the manufacturer recommends.

SMOKE & CO ALARMS

Press the test button on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check their age and replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. National Fire Protection Association recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and replacing them when they’re 10 years old.

SEAL THE DRAFTS

Check around exterior doors and windows for noticeable drafts. Replace worn weeather stripping or seal small gaps with suitable caulk. Air sealing is one way to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

OUTDOOR FAUCETS

Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and store them. If your home has shutoff valves for outdoor faucets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to protect the pipes. University of Maryland Extension recommends disconnecting hoses before a freeze.

ROOF & TREE CHECK

From the ground, look for visible roof damage and dead or hanging branches near your home. Have a qualified roofing or tree professional asses anything concerning. Don’t climb onto the roof or try to remove large branches yourself. University of Maryland Extension recommends visually checking trees for dead or hanging branches.