Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Complete This Fall in Central Texas

The annual rush of spring cleaning has come and gone. The busy summer filled with activities and social events is slowing down. Now, it’s time to relax and savor the cool fall air, cozy up by the fireplace, enjoy toasted marshmallows, and embrace the longer evenings at home. Not quite yet! Here are some important home maintenance tasks you should take care of this fall in Central Texas.

It’s important to tackle these maintenance tasks now before winter arrives. If you wait too long, harsh weather and busy contractors could make it even harder to get them done. Let’s explore a few areas in your home that need some attention this fall.

Furnace/Heating System

Although the weather is still mild, one of the first home maintenance tasks you should tackle this fall in Central Texas is to check your furnace and heating system thoroughly for both efficiency and safety. Late August is usually the best time to ensure your furnace is working optimally.

The first step is to replace the filter, followed by cleaning the ducts where possible (though you may need a professional for this). It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect your heating system to ensure it’s working safely and efficiently. Addressing small issues now can help you avoid larger, more expensive problems—and a chilly home—later on.

Fireplace and Chimneys

Another important maintenance task is ensuring your fireplace and chimney are safe and free of hazards. You want to enjoy that crackling fire with peace of mind, right?

Creosote buildup can be a serious safety hazard and can lead to a dangerous fire. If you’re unsure how to inspect for and clean creosote buildup, it’s best to hire an experienced chimney sweep.

Water Lines

Although they are technically inside your house, water supply lines in exterior walls can freeze during cold spells. Taking a little time now to address this can help prevent major inconveniences and messy problems in the middle of winter.

Let’s say the water lines for your kitchen sink are located under the sink on an exterior wall (which is often the case). There are two easy and affordable steps you can take. First, wrap these supply lines with insulation specifically designed for this purpose to help prevent freezing. Even better, if you have a nearby electrical outlet, you can use heat tape to wrap those lines for added protection.

Gutters and Downspouts

Most of us remember to rake up the fallen leaves in the yard during the fall, but we often forget about the gutters and downspouts until the heavy spring rains arrive. Over time, this can lead to costly problems.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up, running down behind the gutters and onto the fascia board, which leads to rot and the need for replacement. Before the fall rainy season begins, ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and draining properly.

Roof

Out of all the home maintenance tasks to tackle this fall in Central Texas, checking the roof is often the most overlooked. However, it’s an important one that shouldn’t be ignored.

Strong winter winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain can push water into areas of your roof (even uphill) where it wouldn’t usually reach. Therefore, fall is the perfect time to inspect your roof for broken or missing shingles or tiles. If you find any issues, it’s a good idea to contact a roofing contractor.

With these five home maintenance tasks completed this fall in Central Texas, you can relax and enjoy your home with peace of mind and a sense of security. Keep in mind, though, that these are just the basic tasks.

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