10 Things to Do Around Your Home Before Fall Arrives in Middle Georgia

 

August in Middle Georgia may not feel anything like fall yet. We're still dealing with plenty of heat and humidity! But this is actually a great time to start taking care of a few things around the house before cooler weather arrives.

A little preventive maintenance now can help you catch small problems early and keep your home in good shape throughout the year.

Here are 10 things to put on your late summer home checklist.

1. Check Your HVAC Filter

After working hard all summer, your HVAC system could probably use a little attention. Check your air filter and replace it if it's dirty. A clean filter helps your system work more efficiently and keeps air flowing properly through your home.

This is also a good time to think about scheduling your fall HVAC maintenance before heating season begins.

2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves aren't falling yet, but pine needles, twigs and other debris can still collect in gutters during the summer.

Make sure your gutters are clear and that your downspouts are directing rainwater away from your home. Proper drainage can help prevent moisture problems around your roof and foundation.

3. Take a Look at Your Roof

You don't necessarily need to climb onto the roof. Take a look from the ground or have a professional inspect it if you have concerns.

Watch for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, sagging areas or anything else that looks different than it should. Catching a small roof problem early is much better than discovering it because of a leak later.

4. Check Around Windows and Doors

Walk around your home and look for cracked or deteriorating caulk around windows and exterior doors.

Sealing small gaps can help keep moisture and pests out while also making it easier to keep your home comfortable as temperatures eventually begin to change.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Take a few minutes to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

Check the batteries as well, and replace them when needed. It's one of those simple home maintenance tasks that's easy to forget but important to keep up with.

6. Look for Signs of Moisture

Middle Georgia's heat and humidity can create the perfect environment for moisture problems.

Check under sinks, around toilets, near your water heater and anywhere you've noticed leaks in the past. Also pay attention to musty odors, water stains or areas that seem unusually damp.

7. Give the Outside of Your Home a Walk Around

Take a slow walk around the exterior of your home.

Look at the siding, trim, foundation, porch and other exterior surfaces. You're simply looking for changes such as cracks, peeling paint, damaged wood or other areas that may need attention.

8. Trim Plants Away From the House

Summer growth can leave shrubs, vines and tree branches touching the siding or roof.

Trim vegetation back where needed and remove anything growing too close to the house. This can help protect exterior surfaces and make your home less inviting to pests.

9. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Inspect outdoor faucets and hose connections for leaks.

While you're outside, take a look at irrigation systems and sprinkler heads too. A small leak can waste quite a bit of water when it goes unnoticed.

10. Make a Fall Project List

You don't have to tackle everything at once.

As you walk around your home, write down anything that needs attention and decide which projects are most important. Some may be quick weekend jobs, while others may need to be handled by a professional.

The goal isn't to have a perfect house. It's simply to stay aware of what's happening with your home so small maintenance items don't quietly turn into bigger repairs.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Our homes are one of the biggest investments we'll ever make, and taking care of them doesn't always require a major renovation. Often, it's the small things we consistently keep an eye on that make the biggest difference.

So even though fall still feels a long way off here in Middle Georgia, August is a great time to get a head start.

And then maybe we can all look forward to those first cooler Georgia mornings!