The yearly, frenzied bout of spring cleaning is long over. The hectic schedule of summer activities and social events is winding down. And, now, it’s about time to kick back and enjoy the crisp fall air, the fireplace, the toasted marshmallows, and the long evenings at home.
But not so fast. There are still some crucial home maintenance tasks you should tackle this fall or winter in Columbia or Lexington, SC before truly settling in for the season.
Taking care of these maintenance items now, before winter arrives in the Midlands, is essential. If you delay too long, harsh weather conditions and contractor backlogs may make completing these tasks much more difficult. Let’s examine several key areas of your home that deserve attention this fall.
Furnace/Heating System
Even with our relatively mild South Carolina weather, one of the first home maintenance tasks you should complete this fall in Columbia is thoroughly inspecting your furnace and heating system – for both efficiency and safety reasons. Late August is typically the ideal time to ensure your furnace is functioning optimally.
Start by replacing the filter, then clean accessible duct areas (though this might require professional assistance). We strongly recommend scheduling a professional inspection of your entire system to ensure safe and optimal performance. Identifying minor issues now can prevent major, costly – and uncomfortably cold – problems later on.
Fireplace and Chimneys
Another critical maintenance task is ensuring your fireplace and chimney are free from safety hazards. After all, you want to enjoy those cozy evening fires with complete peace of mind.
Creosote buildup presents a serious safety risk that can lead to devastating house fires. If you’re uncertain about how to properly inspect for and remove creosote buildup, it’s worth investing in the services of an experienced professional chimney sweep.
Water Lines
Though technically inside your home, water supply lines in exterior walls can be vulnerable to freezing during Columbia’s occasional cold snaps. A small investment of time now can prevent incredibly inconvenient and messy problems during the coldest winter days.
For instance, if the water lines for your kitchen sink run under the sink on an exterior wall (which is common), there are two simple, inexpensive solutions. Wrapping these supply lines with appropriate insulation is an effective freeze-prevention measure. For even better protection, consider wrapping the lines with heat tape if you have a convenient electrical outlet nearby.
Gutters and Downspouts
Most homeowners diligently rake fallen leaves from their yards, but gutters and downspouts often get overlooked until spring’s heavy rains arrive. This oversight can prove costly in the long run, especially in our Midlands climate.
When gutters and downspouts become clogged, water backs up and runs behind the gutters onto the fascia board, causing rot and eventually requiring replacement. Before fall’s rainy season begins, ensure your gutters and downspouts are debris-free and draining properly to protect your home’s structural integrity.
Roof
Of all essential home maintenance tasks you should complete this fall in Columbia, checking your roof is frequently the most neglected. However, it deserves your immediate attention.
Winter’s strong winds, occasional heavy rains, and even rare freezing precipitation can force water into vulnerable areas of your roof (sometimes even uphill) where it normally wouldn’t penetrate. Fall is the perfect time to inspect for broken or missing shingles or tiles. If you discover any issues, consulting a professional roofing contractor is highly recommended.
With these 5 essential home maintenance tasks completed this fall in Columbia, you can truly relax and enjoy the season with peace of mind and security. Of course, these represent just the fundamental maintenance needs your home may have.