Leaves, football, and more leaves! Fall is creeping up on us and our homes. Fall only leads into winter, and many home maintenance tasks can be daunting when the temperature starts to fall. You’re better off getting some things out of the way now to save yourself the trouble later:

1.Clean the Gutters

• Ensure that there isn’t a buildup of leaves and other debris in your gutters as this could lead to wood rot and pest infestations that can destroy your gutters.
• Check that water drains properly and doesn’t pool as this could damage your driveway, walkway and foundation. In the winter, this could also contribute to ice dams on your roof.
• Secure all support brackets so water doesn’t flow behind the gutter as well.

2.Clean/Inspect the Fireplace & Furnace

• Before you light the fire for the first time, it’s a good idea to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Not only does a dirty and damaged chimney release smoke and soot into your home, it also poses a huge fire hazard. You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
• Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.
• Clean your fireplace of any ashes or dust to start the season out on a clean slate.

3.Prepare Your Furnace

• Replace the filter on your furnace.
• Have a heating professional inspect your heating system to ensure efficiency and rule out any minor problems that could become costly repairs.
• Improve your heating system's efficiency by cleaning ducts. This will also help to minimize respiratory problems from dust being pushed throughout the air in your home.

4.Inspect Trees

• Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to power lines or the roof.

5.Fix Cracks in Concrete and Asphalt

• Inspect your driveway and sidewalks for any cracks and/or potholes. If left untreated through the freezing and thawing of winter, you could have huge problems come spring.