10.11.21

A Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to Help You Save Money

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A green house sitting on a street lined with fall-colored trees.
Consumers home loans

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9 things you can do to prevent small problems from turning into expensive hassles.

Football games, pumpkins and apple cider all indicate that fall is in the air – the perfect time to show your home a little extra TLC. In addition to keeping your home in tip-top shape, fall home maintenance can help you save money in the long run. Check out our checklist of nine things you can do this fall to prevent small problems from turning into expensive hassles.

  1. Remove fallen leaves from gutters, drains and lawn.
    By preventing ice dams, you can avoid damage to your roof, dead spots in the lawn and flooding.
  2. Program your thermostat.
    If you don’t already have one, consider installing a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy waste, which leads to higher utility bills.
  1. Minimize energy losses in the ducts of your HVAC system.
    Keep energy bills low by exploring the Department of Energy’s information on how to prevent duct work energy loss. 
  1. Switch the direction of ceiling fans so they turn clockwise in the winter months.
    Make the most of rising warm air with a little help from a ceiling fan by circulating it up and out.
  2. Seal air leaks inside and outside your home.
    Avoid losing expensive heated air to leaks, which can also give critters entry to your home, by paying close attention to windows, doors and other areas where walls or building materials meet.
  1. Replace furnace filters.
    Dirty furnace filters can lead to reduced airflow, more allergens in your home and costly repairs.
  1. Have the chimney professionally cleaned.
    Buildup of soot can force smoke back into your home, causing fires and increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  1. Inspect and repair deck or porch railings, supports and stairs.
    Damaged entryways can lead to painful injuries if someone slips on snow or ice.
  1. Disconnect and drain hoses. Winterize the sprinkler system, if you have one.
    Damage to hoses, faucets and sprinkler heads when water freezes and expands can mean extra costs for you.

Budgeting tip

One way to keep fall home maintenance from upsetting your budget is to set up a savings account dedicated to home upkeep and repairs. Even setting aside a small amount each month will help avoid a financial scramble when you face repairs.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.

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Consumers home loans

We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit.

Learn more.

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