Top 5 Handyman Repairs to Prepare Your Home for Fall

As the summer fades and cooler temperatures start to roll in (it's been too hot this summer in Sacramento so I'm definitely looking forward to the change), now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the fall season.

Taking care of some essential repairs can save you from costly damage and make your home more comfortable and efficient as the weather changes. Here are the top 5 handyman repairs to prepare your home for fall.

1. Seal Windows and Doors

One of the most common ways homes lose heat in the fall and winter is through drafts around windows and doors. Over time, the seals around these areas can wear down or become damaged, allowing cold air to seep in and warm air to escape.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect all windows and doors for gaps or cracks in the seals. You can use a candle or incense stick to detect drafts—if the flame or smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft.

  
  

  An alternative to using an open flame or incense to find drafts around windows and doors is to use a thermal leak detector or infrared thermometer. These devices can detect temperature differences and pinpoint where cold air is entering your home.

  
  

• Apply weather-stripping or caulk to seal any gaps. Weather-stripping works well for movable parts like windows and doors, while caulk is ideal for stationary areas.

  
  

• Replace old or damaged weather-stripping to ensure a tight seal, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient.

  
  

Why It Matters: Sealing windows and doors not only helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature but also reduces heating costs by preventing warm air from escaping.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts - Essential Handyman Repairs to Prepare Your Home for Fall

It's in the name, Fall is all about falling leaves. 🍂These leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Ensuring your gutters are clean before the fall rains arrive is crucial to protecting your home from water damage.

How to Fix It:

• Clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downspouts. Use a ladder to access gutters safely and remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.

  
  

• Flush out the gutters with a hose to ensure water flows freely through the system and down the downspouts.

  
  

• Check for leaks or damage to the gutters and make repairs as necessary, such as sealing leaks with gutter sealant or replacing damaged sections.

  
  

Why It Matters: Clean gutters prevent water damage to your home's exterior and foundation, ensuring your home stays dry and secure during the wet fall months.

3. Check and Maintain Your Heating System

Before the cold weather sets in, it's important to ensure your heating system is in good working order. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, providing consistent warmth throughout your home and reducing the risk of breakdowns.

How to Fix It:

• Replace or clean the air filters in your furnace or heating system. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and strain your system, leading to higher energy costs and potential damage.

  
  

• Inspect the furnace or heating system for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, rust, or unusual noises that could indicate a problem.

  
  

• Schedule a professional tune-up to ensure your heating system is operating efficiently and safely. A professional can perform a thorough inspection, clean the system, and make any necessary repairs.

  
  

Why It Matters: Regular maintenance of your heating system extends its lifespan, improves efficiency, and helps avoid costly emergency repairs during the colder months.

4. Inspect and Insulate Your Attic

Proper insulation in your attic is essential for keeping warm air inside your home during the fall and winter. Poor insulation can lead to heat loss, increased energy bills, and even ice dams on your roof.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect your attic insulation to ensure it is in good condition and adequately covering all areas. Look for gaps, thin spots, or damage caused by moisture or pests.

  
  

• Add additional insulation if needed to achieve the recommended R-value for your area. The R-value measures insulation's effectiveness, and a higher R-value means better insulation. (Sacramento and most of California are in Zone 3, which requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60.)

  
  

• Seal any gaps or cracks in the attic floor or around pipes, vents, and chimneys. Use expanding foam or caulk to prevent warm air from escaping through these areas.

  
  

Why It Matters: Proper attic insulation keeps your home warm and reduces heating costs by preventing heat from escaping through the roof.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you prepare your home for fall, don't forget about safety. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for protecting your family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when heating systems are in use.

How to Fix It:

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly. Press the test button on each device to check if the alarm sounds.

  
  

• Replace the batteries in all detectors, even if they appear to be working. It's a good habit to change batteries twice a year, typically when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

  
  

• Install additional detectors if needed, especially near bedrooms and on every level of your home.

  
  

Why It Matters: Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives by providing early warnings in case of fire or a carbon monoxide leak, giving you time to react and get to safety.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for fall with these essential handyman repairs will help ensure your home is safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the cooler months. By taking the time to address these issues now, you can prevent bigger problems later and enjoy a worry-free fall season.

Need help with your fall home maintenance?

Contact Valiant Property Solutions today. We're here to help you keep your home in top shape all year round!