Fall Maintenance Checklist

Use this seasonal maintenance checklist in addition to the regular maintenance program for your house:

Have a professional check your heating system every year. Replace the air filter. If the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank, the tank should be full.

Check and Test all GFCI devices. They should be located in Kitchens, Bathrooms, Garages, and in your breaker panel.

Test your emergency generator.

Remove birds nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures. The chimney should also be inspected for nesting animals trying to escape the cold. Squirrels and raccoons have been known to enter chimneys for this reason.

Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss.

Clean the gutters and downspouts. If debris is left in gutters, it can get wet and freeze, permitting the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. This added weight has the potential to cause damage to gutters. Also, trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to mold growth.

Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.