8 Surprising Tasks Experts Always Do When Transitioning Their Homes for Fall

Fall is the peak time to properly evaluate your home, so you know what to fix before winter approaches. From gardening to HVAC and plumbing, it's important to make sure your home is in good condition especially if you're hoping for a stress-free year ahead.

We've asked some home experts to share some important seasonal tasks to complete, and some may actually surprise you. Read on to find out what eight to-do's you should add to your weekend itinerary.

Give Your Lawn Some Love

Due to high summer temperatures, lawns may often be in dry and dull conditions, so it's important to aerate your yard before winter. This will allow your grass to grow more freely and look its best, just in time for spring.

Depending on where you live, mowing could still be needed to keep the yard looking good well into fall as well. However, don't cut it too short since it could cause more harm than good to your grass.

“When turf grass overwinters, it stores the required carbohydrates in the shoots,” says Timothy Strano, a certified professional agronomist (CPAg) at TruGreen. “A higher height of cut equals more storage area for winter carbohydrates, which can ultimately kick off your spring lawn with a great start.”

Clear the Gutters

Falling leaves will inevitably land in your gutters if they don’t have a guard. The buildup will keep rain and, eventually, melting snow from efficiently draining which could potentially lead to floods. Consider cleaning them out with a simple garden hose or a leaf blower, if the leaves are dry.

Trim Your Trees

When leaves are scarce, it’s the best time to look at any trees or shrubs that are growing too close to your home. If you notice the limbs creeping up along the roof or walls, they could be harming your foundation, so it's crucial to take steps now to mitigate risks in the warmer months.

Fix Cracks Before Freeze

Trees aren’t the only things that could threaten your home as temperatures drop. From your driveway to any crawl space, unrepaired cracks can eventually cause significant damage in the future. Be sure to take a deeper look, so you can find cracks ahead of time.

Any snow or rain that settles into cracks and then freezes can cause the cracks to widen and add even more problems to the situation. Tim Tracy, a sales manager at a foundation repair company, Groundworks recommends preventing any water entry to the basement.

Repair Your Roof

Loose or missing shingles can also pose a flooding risk. Fall, when weather conditions are generally pleasant, is the perfect time to inspect your roof for any damage. If you don’t feel safe climbing around your roof, it’s well worth it to bring in a professional.

“It’s much more costly and less stressful to replace a few shingles than it is to deal with extensive water damage throughout your home,” says Jarryd Elliott, owner of Australian ceiling building company SJ Build.

Make the Water Work

Frozen pipes can often prevent homeowners from immediately accessing water and easily burst, wreaking havoc on a house. Don’t wait until it is sub-freezing outside: Go ahead and remove hoses from outdoor spouts and insulate the hose bibs now.

And don’t forget about your water heater. Many of them are housed in garages which are exposed to colder temperatures as winter approaches. As with most home systems, having maintenance performed now will lessen the chances of losing functionality during colder seasons.

It is also smart to prepare for any potential water emergency by taking a look at the main water shutoff to your home.

“Cooler months are when we have most water emergencies and knowing how to turn off your water quickly and reliably is very important and can save you thousands,” says Robert Jenkins, a plumber at Pinnacle Plumbing and Drains Inc.

Let There Be Heat

Checking your heating system is also crucial for having a comfortable winter season ahead. Change the air filter during fall, and write the date on the side of the filter so you remember when the next change is due. Consider also cleaning and sealing any air ducts.

People who have a programmable thermostat can plan now to save some green later by setting up a new schedule.

“Set lower temperatures during the night and when you're away, and slightly higher temperatures when you're at home,” says Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company.

Cozy Up

Keely Smith, an interior design expert at Home Stratosphere, explains how fall decorating begins with your outdoor space.

"The doorstep is your first impression, so I love to switch out those beachy, floral wreaths for something more seasonal," she says. Smith recommends picking decorations that have leaves, pinecones, and some burlap to set a cozy mood.

She suggests adding cozy throw blankets and other textiles that are rich autumn shades to warm up your living spaces. "Bring the glow down a notch for an even warmer ambiance," she says.

When it comes to lighting, Smith loves replacing her brighter bulbs with low-wattage ones to mimic the soft glow of a fire or candlelight.

Read Next: How to Prepare a Fall Vegetable Garden

Read the original article on The Spruce.