Fall is officially here! It’s time to smell the fresh, crisp air and see the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and orange. But with any season change, comes extra maintenance you’ll want to do on your house. These fall maintenance tips will keep things in tip top shape and prepare your home for the cooler weather ahead:

• Regularly clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris.

• Fall is a great time to paint the exterior of your home, since the lower humidity and cooler temperatures help the paint dry quicker.

• As we get deeper into the fall, turnoff the valves to the exterior hose bibs, to prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing. Run the water until the pipes are empty, making sure all water is drained from the pipes–if not the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.

• Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Make sure you have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. If you already do, make sure to put in fresh batteries. These are very importantdetectors to have in a home. A smoke alarm can save lives in a house fire. A carbon monoxide detector can also save lives if a home has oil or gas-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater.

• Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

• Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Call you favorite HVAC professionals if you have any questions regarding your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators.

• Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. Insulation and air sealing are so important to not only keep you and your family warm, but to also save money!

• Trim dead branches off of the surrounding trees, to prevent them from coming down and causing damage in a storm.

There are lots of things you can do to prepare your home for the change of season! One of the best ways to get ready for the cooler temperatures, is to call A.B. May. Our expert technicians can help handle most of your fall weather needs–from air sealing your home to replacing your pipes. We are your one stop shop for all your home service needs! To learn more about the services offered, or to schedule service, visit our website or call us at 913-383-3100.