Every home owner has a To Do List, but most never get around To Doing it. Check out our suggested Fall / Winter home repair and maintenance list. Simple things that can be done to eliminate the need for a large repair bill down the road. And if you are like most people and simply don't have the time nor inclination to tackle these small projects, call a House Doctors® Handyman. You don't need to call in several craftsmen to do the odd jobs around the house, ONE CALL DOES IT ALL.
Windows and Doors
	Repair cracked windows
	Putty, caulk or add weather-stripping as needed
	Clean and lubricate window channels for smoother sliding
	Clean and install storm windows and doors
Basement
	Check for and seal cracks and leaks in walls and floor
	Clean vents and ensure proper operation
	Test, clean and lubricate sump pump
	Discard accumulated junk
Water Heater
	Insulate outside of tank
Porch, Patio and Deck
	Clean and seal deck
	Check wood for signs of rotting, replace boards where necessary
Exterior Walls
	Check for missing or loose siding
	Caulk joints and minor cracks
	Look for deteriorated finishes to preserve wood
	Touch-up painting or paint entirely
Exterior Plumbing
	Drain and shut off sprinkler system and other lines
	Remove all hoses from outside spigots
Roof
	Repair damaged soffit panels
Gutters
	Clean gutters to reduce ice dams in the winter
	Install gutter strainers
Smoke Detector
	Test and replace batteries
Attic
	Check vent openings for nests and other blockage
	Make sure vents and/or attic fans work properly
	Look for signs of roof or flashing leaks on rafters and insulation
Driveways
	Reseal driveways

With winter coming, it is time to consider a little preventive home maintenance. For the most part, winter brings on a whole new dimension in home maintenance. Even in places that are likely to have mild winters, there is still a need to prepare for the change in weather. Here is a list of things to consider:

1. Let’s start with the exterior of the house:

• Drain the garden hoses
• Check hose bibs (if you are in a cold climate) check for unprotected pipes
• Close those vents to crawl spaces (especially near plumbing)
• Get the gutters cleaned and inspect them to assure they are securely attached and working properly
• Trim trees and remove the dead branches
• If you have storm windows that are removed – reinstall them
• If you have a basement, check to see if the windows are shut tightly.
• Check chimneys for lose, deteriorated, or missing mortar
• Examine caulking for deterioration around doors, windows, and joints between wood and masonry
• Replace worn weather-stripping around exterior doors

2. With the onset of winter, you will start hearing a lot more about fire prevention. This is because with the colder weather, heat systems and auxiliary heating devices are used in the home, adding to the risk of fire. These devices should be checked for safety, of course. Now is also a good time to:

• Check your smoke detectors and change the batteries
• Check your C.O. detector (if you do not have one – it is a small investment for your safety)
• Plan an escape plan with your family in case of fire (and have a practice drill)
• Talk to your children about fire prevention
• Check that garage for flammable items – making sure they are stored properly
• Check your fire extinguisher (keep one in the kitchen – they are inexpensive)

3. Before cold weather, you need to have your fireplace inspected and chimney cleaned before using your fireplace.

4. Have your heating system inspected. With regular servicing of your heating system, you benefit by burning less fuel and a system that gets regular service is less likely to break down.

5. Gas-fired furnaces should be serviced yearly and inspected. Since gas-fired furnaces burn cleaner than oil-fired furnaces, you need not have the flue cleaned every year, but the flue should be checked to make sure there are no obstructions. Your service tech will:

• Check for C.O. leaks
• Inspect the blower system
• Inspect gas lines
• Inspect flue system
• Check filter
• Check Heat Exchanger

6. You can save yourself costly repair by just changing your furnace filter on a regular basis. Remember, even in the summer you need to change your filter if you have central air conditioning. The blower on your furnace is the same one that circulates the cold air.

7. Oil-fired furnaces need to be serviced annually as well. Since oil does not burn as clean as gas, the flue needs to be inspected every year. Depending on the age of the unit and how clean it burns, the flue may have to be cleaned annually as well.

8. Boilers need to be serviced annually whether they are hot-water systems or steam.

9. Heat pumps and electric furnaces also need to have annual inspection to prevent untimely breakdowns.

10. Outside air conditioning units and swamp coolers should be covered

The cost of annual home maintenance is a small price to pay for the safety and comfort of you and your family. Keep your home safe and comfortable.