As summer winds down and cooler temperatures arrive, September is the perfect time to prepare your Ottawa home for fall and the winter months ahead. A little seasonal maintenance now can help protect your home, improve energy efficiency and prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
Here are some of the key tasks to add to your fall home maintenance checklist.
1. Service Your Furnace
Before temperatures drop, have your furnace inspected and serviced if needed. Replace the filter and make sure vents and registers are clean and unobstructed. Taking care of your heating system now can help ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the colder months.
2. Clean Your Eavestroughs
Leaves and debris can quickly build up in your eavestroughs during the fall. Clean them out and check that your downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Proper drainage is especially important before Ottawa's freezing temperatures arrive.
3. Check Your Roof, Windows and Doors
Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles and check around windows and doors for deteriorated caulking or weatherstripping. Addressing potential sources of leaks and drafts now can help keep your home warmer and prevent moisture issues over the winter.
4. Prepare Your Yard
Give your outdoor space some attention before winter. Clean up leaves and debris, prepare your lawn and gardens, store outdoor furniture and disconnect your garden hoses. If applicable, make sure exterior water lines are properly shut off and drained.
5. Check Your Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure it is clean and ready for use. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it.
6. Check Your Basement
Take a quick look around your basement for signs of moisture, leaks or condensation. Pay particular attention to foundation walls, windows and plumbing areas. Addressing moisture problems before winter can help prevent more significant issues later.
7. Get Ready for Winter
September is also a good time to make sure your winter equipment is ready. Check your snow shovel, ice scraper and other supplies, and arrange snow removal services if needed.
Your Ottawa Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Before winter arrives, make sure you've:
- Serviced your furnace and replaced the filter
- Cleaned your eavestroughs
- Checked your roof, windows and doors
- Prepared your lawn and outdoor spaces
- Inspected your fireplace and chimney
- Tested smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Checked your basement for moisture
- Prepared your snow removal equipment
A few hours of maintenance now can go a long way toward protecting your home through an Ottawa winter. Start with the essentials in September, and you'll be better prepared when the temperatures begin to drop.
