As the leaves turn and the air cools, it's not just sweater weather that's upon us—it's time to tackle fall maintenance! 

At RowCal, we know a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your home stays cozy, safe, and efficient during the cooler months. 

So, grab your tools and let’s get your home fall-ready with these essential maintenance tips.🍁🍂

Interior Must-Dos

✔️ Furnace TLC - Start with your furnace. Changing the filter can improve air quality and efficiency. It's a simple step that keeps your system running smoothly and your energy bills in check.

✔️ Safety First - Test and replace batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These devices are crucial for your safety, especially as we start to keep our homes sealed tight against the cold.

✔️ HVAC Tune-Up - Schedule a checkup for your entire HVAC system to avoid mid-winter breakdowns. A thorough tune-up should include an inspection, cleaning, and repairs that may be necessary. This can extend the life of your system and catch issues before they become costly problems.

✔️ Seal the Drafts - Feel for drafts around windows and doors. Sealing up these leaks can drastically improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal up any gaps.

✔️ Dryer Vent Clean-Up - Have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned. This not only reduces the risk of fire but also boosts the efficiency of your dryer, saving you time and energy.

✔️ Fan Flip - Change the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise for the fall and winter. This simple switch pushes warm air down into the room, enhancing your home’s heat retention.

Exterior Essentials

✔️ Winterize Your A/C - In colder climates, it may be necessary to cover your air conditioning unit and winterize it to protect it from the elements, ensuring it’s ready to go when spring rolls back around.

✔️ Disconnect and Drain - Turn off outdoor water faucets and disconnect hoses. Draining them now prevents freezing and potential bursting when temperatures drop.

✔️ Chimney and Vents Check - Inspect your fireplace, chimney, and exterior vents. Clear out any nests and debris to prevent blockages and hazards.

✔️ Gutter Cleaning - Clean out your gutters and downspouts after the leaves have fallen. This prevents water build-up that could lead to ice dams or damage to your roofing and siding.

✔️ Irrigation Wrap-Up - In frost zones, schedule a blow-out for your irrigation system before the freeze to prevent pipe damage.

✔️ Lawn Care - Aerate and overseed your lawn to ensure healthy growth next spring. In regions prone to cold, for the last mow of the season, cut the grass shorter to prevent snow mold and other turf issues.

✔️ Roof and Structure Inspection - Check for missing or damaged shingles and repair them to prevent water damage. Also, inspect door hardware and adjust thresholds to keep out the elements.

✔️ Seal Cracks - Take a walk around your property and seal any visible cracks in the concrete or your home’s exterior. This not only prevents water ingress but also saves heat.

Why It Matters

Fall maintenance is more than a routine checklist. Your home is one of the most significant investments a person will make in their lifetime. 

Preventative maintenance is an essential strategy to ensure your home withstands the rigors of colder months ahead while preserving its value and functionality.

Regular upkeep, especially during fall while we’re transitioning into winter, helps maintain your property’s value. 

Activities like sealing cracks and ensuring the integrity of the exterior can keep your home looking great and functioning well, supporting its resale value.

Fall maintenance should also include safety checks such as inspecting smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fireplaces. 

These steps are vital to maintaining the safety of your home and your family from potential hazards that can be more prevalent during the colder months.

Now we’d like to hear from YOU! What’s the one maintenance task you always tackle first when preparing for colder weather?