Seasonal Tips for Homeowners
The heat of summer is fading, and fall is a good time to give your home some attention before winter. Fall doesn’t look the same everywhere. It might mean Santa Ana winds in Southern California, the first hard freeze in Utah or Idaho, or a welcome cool-down in Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. Wherever you live, a few hours of seasonal maintenance now can help you avoid costly surprises later.
Clear the Gutters and Check the Roof
Falling leaves, pine needles, and summer debris can clog gutters and downspouts. When the rain comes, that water may back up under your roofline or pool against your foundation. Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts carry water at least a few feet away from the house.
While you’re up there, or looking from the ground with binoculars, check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles and damaged flashing around vents and chimneys. Summer heat and sun can be hard on roofing materials, and it’s much easier to fix a small problem in October than a leak in January.
Stay Wildfire-Aware
In much of California and the inland West, fall brings dry vegetation and strong winds, so wildfire season isn’t over yet. Take time to:
- Clear dead leaves, branches, and dry brush within at least five feet of your home.
- Remove debris from gutters, roof valleys, and under decks, where embers can collect.
- Move firewood piles and other flammable items away from the house.
- Check that vent screens are intact.
Many local fire departments offer free defensible-space guidance, and it’s worth looking up the recommendations for your area.
Prepare Your Plumbing for Cooler Nights
In higher-elevation areas of Utah, Idaho, northern Arizona, and northern Nevada, freezing temperatures can arrive quickly. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off exterior water valves if you have them, and insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and attics. Even in milder climates, an unexpected cold snap can catch outdoor plumbing off guard, as Texas homeowners know well.
Service Your Heating System
After months of running the air conditioner, your furnace or heat pump has probably been sitting idle. Replace the filter, and consider scheduling a professional inspection before you need heat. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Test Your Safety Devices
The end of daylight saving time is an easy reminder to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. With heaters and fireplaces coming back into use, working CO detectors are especially important. Check your fire extinguishers too, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.
Seal Drafts and Save Energy
Walk around your home and look for gaps around windows and doors. Fresh weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that can keep your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills. Checking attic insulation is also worthwhile, since heat rises and escapes through the top of the house.
Take Stock Before the Holidays
Fall is a good time to update your home inventory. Take photos or a quick video of each room, and keep receipts for major purchases, especially before holiday shopping adds new items. Store the inventory somewhere outside your home, such as a cloud service, so it’s available if you ever need it.
It’s also a good moment to review your homeowners policy with your agent and make sure it still reflects your home and belongings.
Enjoy the Season
A little preparation now means you can spend more of the season enjoying cooler evenings, pumpkin patches, and time with family, and less time dealing with problems. From all of us at Western Mutual, have a safe and cozy fall.
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