Shorter days and cooler temperatures are on the way. But before you retreat into hibernation mode, consider whether your home and yard are as ready as you are for the change in seasons. By following a few preventative fall maintenance measures, you can help ensure that your home runs efficiently and hassle-free throughout the winter--keeping you and your family comfortable and safe for the months to come.

The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends following the "three Rs"--replace, repair, and remove--when preparing your home for fall and winter. Not only can you save money in the long run, but you can help protect your biggest monetary investment: your home.

What to Replace:
• Loose or worn weather stripping: check doors, windows, and trim for problems with putty, caulking, or cracked glass. The heat loss from a lot of little cracks can add up to that of a wide-open window
• Screens with storm windows
• Heating and cooling system air filters. These should be changed every month, but if you've fallen behind, now is a good time to catch up
• Expired fire extinguishers
• Batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Faulty cords and plugs. Long before it's time to plug in lights for your holiday tree, make sure that your extension cords don't pose fire hazards and that your electrical outlets are in working order.
What to Repair:
• Cracks in exterior walls and trim. Since cold weather adds to existing damage, nip the problem in the bud and seal masonry cracks and damaged trim
• Cracks in driveways and walkways to prevent them from worsening
• Soil erosion. Fill low spots close to the home's foundation to prevent basement leaks and flooding
• Damaged or loose roof shingles. Nobody wants a leaky roof, especially in the dead of winter. Check roofing, metal flashing, gutters, and downspouts for issues

What to Remove:
• Gutter clutter. Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and damaging the house
• Fireplace buildup. Have your chimney cleaned so that you can enjoy fall and winter fires. Check that the damper closes tightly
• Dead tree limbs and branches that are too close to the house or hang over the roof or power lines. Branches loaded with snow can damage homes as well as be deadly to people walking underneath them

Other Home Maintenance Musts
In addition to wall cracks and wayward tree limbs, take proper measures to protect your plumbing. Are your pipes well insulated? Do you know where your home's main water valve is located in case your pipes decide to freeze? And though it might seem counterintuitive, fall is actually a wonderful time to fertilize and reseed your lawn because grass roots grow deeper in cold weather. Also, make sure you walk through your yard to check for any left out tools, toys, or furniture.

Do You Need Professional Help?
Some home maintenance tasks may seem like a walk in the park for the average Joe, but some may require the expertise of a professional. When planning your maintenance projects, consider hiring a handyman or local contractor to assist you. Local contractors specialize in everything from seasonal sprinkler maintenance to heating system installation and repair. They can also help you estimate the cost of your home improvement ventures, and then help you make plans to get things off the ground. But whatever you do, don't wait too long to get started on your fall maintenance checklist. Before you know it, more than just leaves will be hitting your rooftop.

Sources
American Society of Home Inspectors
EPA.gov