10 Fall Home Improvement Projects
1. Check and seal windows. Check the windows for drafts by holding a lit candle close to the window seams. If the flame bends or flickers it is a good indication that you need to reseal your windows.
Inspect the caulk on the outside of your window frame. Summer heat can dry old caulking and cause it to crack and break. If you find damaged caulking, remove the old caulk with a caulk softening product and a putty knife.
After the old caulk is removed and the area cleaned, re-caulk the damaged spots. A polyurethane caulk is a good multi-purpose caulk that easily fills in large and small areas.
In about 12-15 hours, your windows will be ready to keep your warm and toasty this fall and winter.
2. Service your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. The cooler temperatures in the fall mean more use on your furnace and water heater which raises your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Test both your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors by pressing the test button and waiting to hear the alarm sound. Take this time to replace the batteries in both detectors.
3. Keep the critters out. We aren’t the only ones who like warm, dry places in the cooler months. Most things living outside would love to come in, including insects and rodents. Attics are especially vulnerable because comfy, warm insulation makes the perfect nesting material.
If your home has gable vents, install screens behind them to help keep unwanted guests out. Pests always seem to find a way inside, so check underneath your kitchen cupboards and appliances for signs of an infestation. Call an exterminator if needed.
4. Maintain your furnace. Make sure the pilot light is burning. If it has gone out, follow the instructions provided on your furnace’s access door. If you run into any problems, call a heating and air contractor for assistance immediately.
Clean any dust and debris away from the blower and around the furnace itself. Either check or replace your filter every 30 days to keep from over-working your unit. It is also a good idea to lubricate the blower motor and remove the flame shield to check the burner for corrosion.
5. Fireplace and chimney. Inspect the chimney flashing, bricks and mortar to make sure all are attached and sturdy. Also check the fireplace for damage to the firebox.
Remove all ashes from your fireplace and check the flue for build up of creosote. The fall is a good time to schedule to have your fireplace cleaned by a professional.
6. Install a programmable thermostat. Before winter arrives, install a programmable thermostat to save money on your electric bill.
A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the time of day your heater or air conditioning will run. Installing the thermostat is relatively easy with the proper tools.
DIY Network has an easy to understand tutorial on how to install a programmable thermostat.
7. Check your attic ventilation. Ventilation and insulation work together to keep your home comfortable. In the winter, attic vents keep moisture from building up by allowing cold air to flow into the attic.
Inspect all vents to make sure they are clear of debris such as bird nests, leaves or insect hives. If you do not have screens installed to prevent pests from entering, do so now.
8. Flush your water heater. To keep your water heater running at maximum efficiency, flush it out once a year. Detailed instructions for flushing your water heater can by found on DIY Network’s website.
Remember to be careful when draining the tank; the water can be scalding hot!
9. Clean out gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts can damage your home. The fall is a great time to clean them out.
Dry gutters are easiest to clean. Hang a bucket on the side of the gutter to collect the debris you remove. The leaves can be added to your compost pile.
Once the majority of the leaves and gunk are clear, rinse the gutters with your garden hose.
10. Check your toilets for leaks. Leaky toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day. Check for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. Colored water appearing in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes is a sign of a leaking toilet.
Replace or adjust your levers if they stick in the flush position. This is a common cause of a leaking toilet. The chain on the flapper valve may need adjusting or replacing, as could the valve itself.
A few dollars once on replacement toilet parts beats hundreds of extra dollars spent on your water bill each year.
A checklist of other seasonal do-it-yourself home improvements and preventative measures can be found on the DIY Network website.
Spending one weekend before fall on home improvement projects can save you countless dollars down the road. Crawl up that ladder and check underneath your home before it’s too late!
