Top 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

One of the best ways to avoid having to submit a home insurance claim is with regular maintenance.  Here are our top ten tips for maintaining your home this Fall.

  • Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician (Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions).

  • Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.  (While you are up there you can also check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house).

  • Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional.

  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.

  • Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.

  • Inspect your smoke detectors. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery spring and fall or as needed.

  • Check for clutter or storage boxes that may have built up around your furnace, electrical box or water tank. Make sure that these are clear of obstructions.

  • Shut off the water supply to your outdoor water faucets (and don’t forget to put away your outdoor hose).

  • Check your roof to make sure there are no loose shingles or areas that need repair. Sometimes taking small actions now will save you thousands of dollars later.

  • Check the exterior of your home for possible entry points for small mice, squirrels, and other creatures that may be looking to share your warm home this winter.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.