Summer is coming to an end, and before you know it, the temperatures will start dropping. While you’re enjoying the last few weeks of summer, now is a great time to make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons.
Fall is more than just changing leaves and cooler temperatures. Your heating system is about to get a lot more use, your plumbing will face colder conditions, and small issues that went unnoticed during the summer can quickly turn into bigger problems.
The good news? A little maintenance now can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable and preventing unexpected repairs later.
Here are 10 home maintenance tasks to put on your list before fall arrives.
Have Your HVAC System Checked
Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer. Before you switch from cooling to heating, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected.
A professional HVAC maintenance appointment can help identify potential problems before you need your heating system on a cold fall or winter morning. Your technician can check the system, look for worn components, and make sure everything is operating properly.
If your heat pump, furnace, or other heating system has been giving you trouble, don’t wait until the first cold snap to address it.
At Griffith Plumbing Services, our team provides heating and cooling maintenance and repair to help keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the easiest things you can do to help your HVAC system operate properly. A dirty filter can limits airflow and make your system work more than it needs to. Depending on your home, pets, and the type of filter you use, you may need to replace it every one to three months.
Before fall arrives, take a look at your filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. It’s a small task, but it can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and keep your indoor air cleaner.
Test Your Thermostat
You don’t want to discover that your thermostat isn’t working properly when you wake up to a chilly house. Turn your thermostat to heat and make sure your system responds the way it should. If you have an older thermostat, this may also be a good time to consider replacing it with a programmable or smart thermostat.
A properly functioning thermostat helps your HVAC system maintain a comfortable temperature without running unnecessarily.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard every day, so don’t forget about it when you’re working through your fall maintenance checklist.
Take a look around your water heater and watch for signs that something may be wrong, including
- Water around the base of the unit
- Rust or corrosion
- Strange noises
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Not having enough hot water
If you notice any of these issues, it’s better to have them checked sooner rather than later. A small water heater problem can eventually turn into a major leak or leave your household without hot water. Griffith Plumbing Services offers water heater repair and replacement to help homeowners get their hot water back when they need it most.
Look for Plumbing Leaks
Fall is a great time to take a walk around your home and check for plumbing leaks. Look underneath sinks, around toilets, near appliances, and anywhere you have exposed plumbing. You should also pay attention to water stains, damp areas, dripping faucets, or an unexplained increase in your water bill.
Even a small leak shouldn’t be ignored. Over time, it can waste water and potentially cause damage to your home. If you find a leak you can’t locate or repair yourself, a professional plumber can help identify the source and get it taken care of.
Disconnect Your Outdoor Hoses
Remember to disconnect your garden hoses from outdoor faucets before any freezing temperatures arrive. Leaving a hose connected can allow water to remain trapped in the faucet or connected piping. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside can freeze and expand, causing damage.
Take a few minutes now to disconnect your hoses and check your outdoor faucets for leaks or other issues. It’s an easy step that can help you avoid a much bigger plumbing problem later in the season.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Fall leaves can quickly clog your gutters and downspouts. Before the leaves start piling up, make sure your gutters are clear, and your downspouts are directing water away from your home.
While you’re checking them, look for loose sections, sagging gutters, or damaged areas. Keeping your gutters clear helps rainwater move away from your roof and foundation instead of collecting where it can cause problems.
Check for Drafts Around Doors and Windows
Once the weather cools down, you don’t want your heated air escaping through gaps around your doors and windows. Walk around your home and check for noticeable drafts. Check the weatherstripping around doors and the seals around your windows.
If your home has bad insulation or noticeable air leaks, your heating system may have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Taking care of these issues before the cold weather arrives can help your home stay more comfortable throughout the fall and winter.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is also a good time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Press the test button on each detector and replace batteries if needed. If a detector is old or isn’t working properly, replace it.
Carbon monoxide detectors are important in homes with fuel-burning appliances, including certain furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, and water heaters. If you’re concerned about the condition or operation of your heating equipment, having it professionally inspected can provide some extra peace of mind before winter.
Take Care of Small Problems Before They Become Big Ones
Finally, take a look around your home and think about anything that has been giving you trouble. Maybe your furnace has been making an unusual noise. Maybe your water heater isn’t producing as much hot water as it used ot. Maybe you’ve noticed a dripping faucet or inconsistent water pressure.
These problems may seem minor now, but they aren’t necessarily going to fix themselves. Taking care of repairs before fall and winter are in full swing can help you avoid an inconvenient breakdown when you need your plumbing or HVAC system the most.
Get Your Home Ready for Fall
You don’t have to wait for the first cold morning to start preparing your home for fall. A little preventative maintenance now can help keep your plumbing and HVAC systems working properly when you need them most.
At Griffith Plumbing Services, we understand how frustrating it can be when a plumbing or HVAC problem interrupts your day. That’s why our team provides comprehensive plumbing and HVAC services throughout South Central Pennsylvania. We’re here to help keep your home comfortable year-round, from heating and cooling to plumbing repairs.
If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, don’t wait. A small problem can become a major repair that also becomes costly. Contact Griffith Plumbing Services today and let our experienced team help you get your home ready for the season ahead.