Checklist: 4 tips for fall home maintenance

Winter is coming. These aren't just words from one of the most popular shows on TV, but also the truth. Snow, ice and cold are right around the corner, and that means havoc on your home. Before the winter hits, make sure you check off these items from our fall home-maintenance list:

1. Landscape
Your landscaping can be a big help during the winter – or a serious nuisance. Therefore, it should definitely get your attention this fall. Go around your house and trim any plants, shrubs or trees. Depending on the type, you should be able to significantly cut back foliage. This has several benefits. For starters, it will keep plants healthy and help them grow back strong in the spring. Second, it makes winter cleanup easier. You'll have a better time removing snow without plants in your way. Third, it will protect your house from the snow. Too much overgrown foliage could trap snow against your home, or overgrown branches could drip moisture directly on your house.

"Put away lawn furniture, your mower, brooms and other items."

2. Stow away tools
Once outdoor maintenance is done, it's time to store all of your tools and equipment. Put away lawn furniture, your mower, brooms and other items that may live outdoors during the warmer months. You also need to disconnect your outdoor hoses, drain your faucets and turn off the water. This will prevent leaks or frozen pipes. The same can be said for built-in irrigation systems, if your home has them. Once the leaves are all taken care of, you also want to put away rakes. Finally, move your shovels to the front of your shed or garage in preparation of the coming snow.

3. Prep the house
Next up is a thorough inspection of the house itself. A few key components must be looked at before the winter:

  • The roof: Scan it for damaged shingles or signs of rust. If you see anything, call in a professional to take a look.
  • The HVAC: Have your furnace or boiler serviced before the winter. 
  • Windows and doors: Make sure everything is sealed up tight, potentially adding additional caulk if need be.

Checking this off of your list will help lead to a warm, cozy winter.

4. Clean the gutters
Finally, make sure your gutters are free of debris. With the leaves falling this time of year, it's easy for plenty of junk to get caught up there. This will prevent water from draining away from your foundation, especially in the spring when the snow starts to melt. If you're able, safely climb a ladder and clean out your gutters, or hire a professional to do the job. Many gutters can be fitted with leaf guards, which help keep out debris. Consider having some installed if leaves are a major problem in your area.

Home energy scores: What you need to know

You may have noticed one of the biggest trends in homeownership: energy efficiency. Buyers, sellers and current owners all care about eco-friendly upgrades, and for good reason. A more energy-efficient home will not only have a smaller impact on the environment, but it is also more affordable when the bills are due.

Energy efficiency has been taken to a new level, however, with the advent of the Home Energy Score, implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy. Think of this score like a grading system for individual houses. After an in-depth home inspection, the final score provides a quick snapshot for buyers and homeowners to reference when assessing the property, deciding if they want to buy or making any relevant changes to the property. 

Here's what you need to know about the Home Energy Score:

The score provides insight into home quality
Homebuyers have a vast array of information at their disposal when searching for a new property. Between home features, neighborhood comps and the home inspection, there's a lot to consider. The Home Energy Score is one more factor to look at, giving a quick view of the property's energy efficiency as well as how it stacks up against other properties nearby.

"The Home Energy Score gives a quick view of a property's energy efficiency."

According to the DOE, the score itself is on a one to 10 scale. A one is the lowest score available, and means that the home is not energy efficient at all. Naturally, a 10 would be fantastic. One bonus feature of the score is that it also includes a new rank if certain upgrades were made, like switching out windows and replacing the roof. Therefore, homeowners and buyers can see where the home currently sits and where it could end up. 

When analyzed, this information is a wonderful way to decide if a home fits into your budget or if it is overpriced for its qualities.

What goes into a score?
By now you might be asking what actually makes up the Home Energy Score. As explained by the DOE, several elements of the property are taken into consideration.

Those include:

  • Foundation.
  • Roof.
  • Walls.
  • Insulation.
  • Windows.

In addition, an inspector will look at the heating and cooling system, along with the hot-water system. By checking out these components, the assessor can put together an estimate of the home's total energy usage and recommendations for improvements. Some changes are obvious, like sealing windows and doors or adding more insulation to the attic. Others could be harder to spot, like fixing a damaged foundation or replacing an aging HVAC system. 

Feel free to contact Alban Inspections should have any interest in a Home Energy Score. We're watching this trend closely and can provide more information if you're interested!