Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(18)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat. Energy Star says the fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling (remember, hot air rises).

This is especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings -- and it might even allow you to turn down your thermostat by a degree or two for greater energy savings.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(17)

Michael Petruccelli says Heating Systems

Replace the filter in your furnace.

Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.

Clean your ducts to better your heating system's efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems. Also check for air leakage especially around joints.

Clean your thermostat's heat sensor, contact points, and contacts. Check accuracy and replace if necessary.

If you act soon, you’ll minimize the chance of being 200th in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(16)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Restock Winter Essentials

Don’t wait for the first winter storm to restock cold-weather essentials, such as salt or ice melt. If you can’t abide a snow blower’s roar or the back-breaking workout of shoveling, check out other snow removers that could make it a little easier on you to keep your walkway and sidewalk safe for your family & friends.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(15)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Entrance way

Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters. Broken steps are easily hidden beneath snow, which could cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping on ice will grab a handrail for support.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(14)

Michael Petruccelli says;  POOLS

Pools, sprinkler systems and outside faucets should be shut down. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, while the other tasks are best performed by industry professionals to prevent cracked pipes and pool bottoms.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some home maintenance tips for fall?(13)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Prepare to Stow Your Mower

As the mower sits through the winter, fuel remaining in its engine will decompose, "varnishing" the carburetor and causing difficulty when you try to start the engine in the spring.

John Deere offers these preventive steps: If you've added stabilizer to your fuel to keep it fresh longer, then fill the gas tank to the top with more stabilized fuel and run the engine briefly to allow it to circulate. If not, wait until the tank is nearly empty from use and run the engine (outdoors) to use up the remaining fuel. Check your mower's manual for other cold-weather storage steps.