Pumpkin spice, colder weather, and back-to-school can only mean one thing- Fall has arrived!
Each season (fall included) brings different home maintenance items. Although it can be overwhelming, all it takes is a little organization and a checklist of what to do. Here are some of the most important maintenance tips for fall that can be done in a few hours or less, leaving you with more time to enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer.
Things to tackle in 1 hour or less
Get ready for heating season
- Vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters and grates. Clear away dust and grime from radiators, baseboard heaters and heating grates.
- Turn your furnace on and replace filters. The best way to make sure that you will be comfortable this winter is to test your furnace and replace filters before cold weather hits. If you notice any issues, have a professional come by to inspect it.
Check safety devices
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed.
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if needed.
Stock up on winter supplies
- Check the condition of snow shovels and ice scrapers; replace as needed.
- Restock emergency kits for car and home.
- If you use a snow blower, have it serviced and purchase fuel.
Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses
- Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before the weather dips below freezing. Drain hoses and store them indoors.
WEEKEND TASKS
- Clear out the garage. Clearing out your garage will make space for your car and help protect it from winter weather.
- Store seasonal tools and outdoor furniture. Ensure all seasonal tools, flower containers and patio seating are cleaned and put away safely.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding.
Fall Condo Maintenance
Living in a condo or townhome like our Viva community sure has its perks during the cold winter months – such as no shovelling– but it’s still important to go over a short list of seasonal items.
Turn off and cover your air conditioning unit
Make sure to turn off your air conditioning unit as soon as it starts to cool down. You can also keep your air conditioning unit in good working order for next summer by placing a cover over it, especially if it’s exposed to the elements.
Check your smoke/fire alarm detectors
Fall is the perfect time to test out your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Give them a test run to make sure they’re running properly by pressing the test button. You should be changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months.
Bring in or cover your patio furniture on your balcony
To prevent your furniture from getting water damage from being covered in snow/rain over the next 5 or 6 months, either find a cover or store your patio furniture until next season.
Do a deep clean of your kitchen
The kitchen is one of the areas in your condo where you spend the most time, so cleaning it regularly is probably a given. We would argue that the Fall season is the most important time to do a deep clean to get rid of any old food/grease and reducing the risk of a fire. Some areas to concentrate on are cleaning out your stove and range hood if applicable to prevent smoke.
We hope these tips help with your fall maintenance and give you more time to enjoy all the local fall festivities Waterloo Region has to offer.
