Fall is a crucial time for home maintenance in Connecticut. The changing seasons bring unique challenges that can impact the condition of your property. By addressing these issues proactively, you can protect your investment, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and ensure a comfortable winter.

Exterior Maintenance

• Gutter Cleaning: Regular gutter cleaning is essential to prevent clogs, water damage, and ice dams. Remove leaves, debris, and dirt to ensure proper water flow.
• Roof Inspection: Inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as loose shingles, leaks, or missing tiles. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Caulk around windows, doors, and foundation to seal drafts and prevent energy loss. This can also help keep pests out.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove branches that overhang your roof or power lines to reduce the risk of damage during storms.
• Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Turn off water supply and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts.

Interior Maintenance

• HVAC Inspection: Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to ensure your system is running efficiently and safely. Clean or replace filters, inspect ducts, and calibrate the thermostat.
• Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
• Insulate Attic: Ensure your attic is adequately insulated to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.
• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.

Yard and Garden

• Rake and Bag Leaves: Remove leaves from your lawn to prevent damage and help grass stay healthy.
• Winterize Lawn Equipment: Clean, drain, and store lawnmowers, trimmers, and other equipment to prolong their lifespan.
• Plant Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs for a beautiful display next spring.
• Fertilize Lawn: Apply a fall fertilizer to help your lawn recover from the summer and prepare for winter dormancy.

Safety

• Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Ensure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and functional.
• Check Driveway and Walkways: Remove any debris or ice to prevent slips and falls.
• Test Emergency Generators: If you have a generator, test it regularly to ensure it’s working properly.

Completing these tasks can help protect your home, improve its energy efficiency, and ensure a comfortable winter in Connecticut.

Task	Importance
Gutter Cleaning	Prevents clogs, water damage, and ice dams.
Roof Inspection	Identifies potential damage and prevents further deterioration.
Seal Cracks and Gaps	Improves energy efficiency and prevents drafts.
Trim Trees and Shrubs	Reduces the risk of damage during storms.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets	Prevents pipe bursts and costly repairs.
HVAC Inspection	Ensures efficient and safe operation of your heating system.
Seal Drafts	Improves energy efficiency and comfort.
Insulate Attic	Reduces heat loss and lowers energy bills.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors	Protects your family from fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Rake and Bag Leaves	Prevents damage to your lawn and reduces the risk of pests.
Winterize Lawn Equipment	Prolongs the lifespan of your equipment.
Plant Bulbs	Adds beauty to your landscape next spring.
Fertilize Lawn	Helps your lawn recover from the summer and prepare for winter.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers	Ensures you have a reliable safety device in case of a fire.
Check Driveway and Walkways	Prevents slips and falls.
Test Emergency Generators	Ensures your home has a backup power source in case of an outage.