With the autumnal equinox occurring in September, summer is considered officially over and cooler weather is likely on its way. With winter coming, it’s time to start preparing the household for colder temperatures, and that includes a number of home maintenance activities that ideally should be done either before the winter—or at least well before the spring.

While the list of home maintenance tasks could get pretty lengthy, this post is keeping them limited to a few essential core chores that can be done either by one person or with the help of experienced professionals; their knowledge and advice could add significant value to keeping a home in good shape to avoid winter damage and repair expenses.

Here’s a list of 5 relatively straightforward maintenance tasks to check off to help winterize your home:

1. Remove yard hoses from exterior faucets and try to protect those faucets from freezing temperatures. Depending on the U.S. region where you live, if it gets really cold there in the winter, it’s important to prevent hoses and outdoor faucets from freezing. Remove any connected outdoor hoses, try to drain them, then coil and store them. For some faucets that have them, close any shut-off values and let the faucets drain. Next get insulating foam faucet covers or sleeves (from hardware, home improvement or other stores) and cover the faucets with them, being careful to secure them as tightly as possible.
2. Thoroughly inspect the entire roof for damage due to age, hail, or falling trees or branches, and have it cleaned of any leaves or other plant material. Inspect (or have the roof inspected by a roofing expert) for missing and detached shingles, deep dents from hail, branches or tree impacts; check for anything that has created or could create a hole in the roof and let in water. What is most important is that the roof is sealed tight against any water damage before any snow, ice and freezing temperatures from winter weather. Important—always be careful and safety conscious when climbing ladders or getting on a roof.
3. Inspect and clean the gutters from plant debris, including layers of rotting leaves, branches and pine needles so water flows smoothly and quickly—and check gutters, downspouts and support brackets for holes and partially (or totally) detached sections. Clogged gutters cause water and ice build-up, putting more weight on the gutters which can cause them to sag or break. Have any required repairs made before winter weather sets in. You may want to have a gutter specialist handle the inspection.
4. If the weather is cool and likely to stay that way, put a protective cover over a standalone, outdoor air conditioning (AC) unit. During the fall and winter, if an outdoor air conditioner isn’t being used, put a weatherproof cover over it to protect it from rain, snow and ice that could rust components and safeguard it from leaves, twigs or branches that could fall into and clog or damage the unit.
5. Clean and store outdoor furniture indoors or cover it. If you have outdoor furniture with cushions and frames, you may want to clean everything with a hose and soap, and then store it inside the house, shed or a storage bin, or leave it out but cover it. Don’t forget to take down shade umbrellas covering tables.
6. Bonus reminder: If you use a home lawnmower, get annual maintenance done before storing it for the winter. Depending on your type of mower—gasoline or electric—you should have the blades sharpened, lubricating oil replaced, screws and nuts checked and tightened, spark plug checked (and replaced if necessary), axles and wheels cleaned, controls inspected, and battery tested.

That’s the entire list…but the Delta Community blog has more ideas for maintaining your home, adding value to it, and saving money on operating costs—so, are you…

Interested in more suggestions on keeping up the home and saving money year-round?

The Delta Community Credit Union blog has some other ideas on managing your life and finances during any season of the year:

• Getting Your House Ready for Warm Weather
• 10 Spring Home Tips to Save Summer Money
• 9 Easy Home Improvements for Less Than $150 Each
• Home Improvements That Deliver the Best R.O.I.
• Managing Holiday Stress
• Having a Simpler, Less Expensive Thanksgiving
• Tips to Manage Holiday Spending–Part 1
• Tips to Manage Holiday Spending–Part 2
• Are You Holiday Shopping? Price Match to Save Money!
• Smart and Safe Buying on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• Helping Others During the Holidays with Charitable Donations
• Avoiding Holiday Shopping and Identity Fraud

You can learn to BALANCE™ your money and expenses during any season of the year

BALANCE™ is a financial education and counseling organization that offers free services to Delta Community members. Some of its services include credit report reviews, debt management, and information on budgeting, money management and home buying.

Visit the BALANCE™ website to learn about their education and assistance programs. Members can also speak with certified credit and housing counselors to get personalized guidance.

Want to connect with a Financial Coach about your specific situation? Chat online, e-mail, or call 1-888-456-2227 to speak with a Financial Coach today.

Note that the services offered through BALANCE™ are separate and distinct from any business conducted with Delta Community and are not guaranteed by, nor are they obligations of, the Credit Union.