Fall Tasks for Homeowners

As the weather begins to change, now is the time to tackle fall tasks for homeowners:

• Trim the Shrubbery - Now is the time to cut back the nonflowering bushes, since they are about to go dormant for winter.  That way, they'll be nice and healthy when spring rolls around again.
• Add Chrysanthemums - Also known as the "hardy mum", Chrysanthemums flower year round and can add a pop of color to your landscaping.
• Cleaning Up the Clutter - Since you won't be needing them for the winter, make sure to pick up and store all of your gardening tools, pool supplies and other toys.
• Freshen Up Your Front Door - Add warmth and welcome your guests with a new Welcome mat and wreaths.  For fall, a lovely wreath made of multi-colored autumn leaves adds that fall flavor to your front door.  For winter, pinecones added to a holly wreath make for a lovely entrance to your home.
• Keep the Warm In and the Cold Out - Windows are a big culprit of letting heat escape and cold weather come in.  So, consider adding storm windows to your home.  They are easy enough to install on your own.  When you remove your screens from the old windows to store, add a little bit of spray lubricant to the window tracks after you have cleaned the tracks out thoroughly so that the storm windows will slide into place much easier. 
• Clean the Gutters - In the fall, especially, gutters tend to gather leaves and debris, blocking the escape of rainwater from your roof.  So, keep them clear of any debris to allow rain to drain off your roof easily, avoiding the possibility for a flood.
• Chim-Chimney, Chim-Chimney, Chim-Chim-Cheree - Now is the time to check your chimney for cracks and to give it a good cleaning of old soot to make sure it operates properly during the colder winter months.
• Filter Change - It's important to change the filters on your air conditioner, water purifier, etc at regular intervals so that they continue to operate property.
• Service That Heater - Have your heater checked to ensure that it runs smoothly when you need it.
• Drain the Hot Water Heater - Completely draining the hot water heater will make sure that sediment that settles at the bottom of the heater is removed.  It will also improve the water heater's efficiency.

Cooler temperatures can take a toll on your home.  That's why it's important to perform these fall tasks for homeowners to make sure your home settles into the fall and winter months much easier.