Maintaining your home on a regular basis is a good habit to form. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your home maintenance routine to pass on to the new owner of your home when you sell it.

With fall here and winter weather fast approaching, taking these small home maintenance steps now can help protect your home – saving you money and headaches later.

Shut off outside water faucets. Close valves inside the house, then turn on the outside spigot to drain any remaining water from the line. Some newer homes have a pin at the shut-off valve that must be opened to let air in the line, which helps keep pipes from freezing.

Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, branches and other debris. Clogged gutters can cause water and ice to collect under your shingles, potentially damaging your roof. Clean outside drains of leaves to prevent water back-ups into your basement.

Change your furnace filter (or clean it, if washable) at least every two months. A clean filter limits dust, improves the efficiency of the furnace and keeps utility costs low. Clear the area around your furnace, so air can circulate and avoid a fire hazard. 

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month and replace old batteries promptly. Each floor of your home should have detectors. Properties with gas heat or a wood-burning fireplace should also have a carbon monoxide detector.

Have your chimney professionally cleaned once a year if you use it frequently. Dispose of ashes in a metal bucket since warm ashes have the potential to start a fire.

Your Long & Foster Real Estate agent can connect you with home service providers and share tips to keep your home running in good condition.

If you’re planning to sell your home, a Long & Foster agent can also advise on the best ways to prepare it to maximize your investment.