{"id":20270,"date":"2019-09-26T18:40:59","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T18:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.homedepot.com\/?p=118971"},"modified":"2019-10-03T13:29:20","modified_gmt":"2019-10-03T13:29:20","slug":"5-home-improvement-chores-to-tackle-this-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementblogs.com\/hg-blog\/5-home-improvement-chores-to-tackle-this-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Home Improvement Chores to Tackle This Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maintaining a home means you have to tackle a lot of chores, but that to-do list doesn\u2019t have to be intimidating \u2014\u00a0not when you take it one season at a time!<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s Homeowner\u2019s Four Seasons of Home Ownership Guide breaks down home maintenance into spring, summer, fall and winter tasks to make everything manageable.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the top five things you can do this fall.<\/p>\n

Replace A\/C Filters<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

A lot of people pull sweaters and jackets from storage to prepare for cooler weather, but they forget one important thing: to change their air conditioner filter.<\/p>\n

A good rule of thumb is to replace your central heating\/cooling system\u2019s filter every one to three months. This doesn\u2019t just boost the system\u2019s performance and keep it operating efficiently; it also improves your home\u2019s indoor air quality.<\/p>\n

Replacing the filter is easy \u2014 just open the return cover and remove the old filter. Then replace it with a new filter sized to fit the opening, and make sure the airflow arrow points in toward the ductwork.<\/p>\n

I always say steer clear of $3 filters available at grocery stores. Those inexpensive fiberglass air filters only capture 10% to 15% of airborne particles. Instead, look for electrostatically charged<\/strong><\/a> filters that contain carbon and can remove up to 99% of airborne pollutants.<\/p>\n

Want to stay on top of things? Write the installation date on the filter\u2019s border and set a reminder on your calendar for the next replacement. Your heating and cooling system will never have an outdated filter again!<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s just one final step: Before you close the cover, go ahead and vacuum or wipe off the grill that holds the filter in place.<\/p>\n

Clean gutters and downspouts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Gutters have an important job: they direct water away from the house to protect your siding, foundation and landscaping. Without them, siding can rot, basements flood, and flower beds erode.<\/p>\n

Maintaining gutters is one of the most overlooked chores, because you have to climb a ladder and clean them. But it\u2019s also one of the most important things you can do, because clogged or leaking gutters can lead to expensive damage.<\/p>\n

Installing gutter guards<\/strong><\/a> can buy you some time between cleanings, but they\u2019re useless if you don\u2019t check them regularly. That\u2019s because pine straw and leaves can become lodged in them, and smaller debris can pile up and cause big problems down the line.<\/p>\n

To clean gutters, grab a ladder, a garden trowel, a bucket lined with a trash bag, a hose, a rag and gloves for sharp edges. Serious clogs may require a plumber\u2019s snake.<\/p>\n

Use the trowel to scoop leaves and debris from the gutter into the bucket.<\/p>\n

Add the collected material to a compost pile if you have one, or dispose of it with other lawn debris.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve cleaned the gutters, check the downspouts for clogs. To flush them out, insert a hose with a rag wrapped around it to direct water out of the downspout.<\/p>\n

Now, wasn\u2019t that simple?<\/p>\n

Rake Leaves Off The Lawn<\/h3>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

It happens every year: fall arrives and sends shade trees\u2019 leaves fluttering to the ground.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all part of Mother Nature\u2019s plan because those fallen leaves eventually break down and provide nutrients to the trees.<\/p>\n

But those leaves also choke out competing plants, and homeowners aren\u2019t wild about crunchy leaves all over their driveways, lawns and gardens.<\/p>\n

Think you\u2019ll just wait for a storm to blow leaves into a neighbor\u2019s yard? Well, that\u2019s an optimistic \u2014 not realistic \u2014 way of looking at things.<\/p>\n

The truth is, raking doesn\u2019t just make your yard look good, it also prevents mold and diseases from developing in the grass if too many leaves accumulate.<\/p>\n

A dual-tine rake<\/strong><\/a> is great for dethatching the yard, and a hand rake is perfect for clearing leaves from garden beds.<\/p>\n

Want a simple way to move all those leaves? Just rake them onto a tarp and drag the tarp wherever you\u2019re going to dispose of the leaves. Then, grab a snow shovel, scoop up the leaves and load them into a garbage bag.<\/p>\n

Want to make mulch? Wear your safety glasses, grab your string trimmer\u00a0and place it in the garbage can to quickly reduce the volume of those leaves.<\/p>\n

This is perfect whether you\u2019re taking the leaves to the landfill or creating compost!<\/p>\n

Replace Weatherstripping<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Want to save money on your energy bills?<\/p>\n

Replacing exterior doors\u2019 worn or damaged weatherstripping \u2014 giving them an airtight seal \u2014 is a surefire way to do it!<\/p>\n

This job couldn\u2019t be easier because weatherstripping in newer doors fits neatly in a groove within the door casing.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no adhesive or mess to worry about \u2014\u00a0simply pull out the old weatherstripping, then cut a new piece to length and insert it in the groove.<\/p>\n

Have an older home without a groove in the door casing? No problem! You can retrofit older doors using rolls of self-adhesive foam weatherstripping<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Either way, keeping outside air outside allows your air conditioner to work efficiently and effectively.<\/p>\n

Seal Outside Cracks<\/h3>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Seasonal changes cause your home to expand and contract, and cracks can develop all over the building\u2019s \u2018envelope.\u2019<\/p>\n

Sealing cracks wherever two surfaces meet is important because it prevents rain and snow from seeping in. You don\u2019t want snow and rain entering your home because it can lead to mold and rot.<\/p>\n

Sealing your home\u2019s envelope also prevents outside air from creeping in, and that increases your home\u2019s energy efficiency and lowers utility bills.<\/p>\n

Anyone can purchase a caulk gun<\/strong><\/a> and fill in these gaps \u2014 and it\u2019s actually pretty fun!<\/p>\n

Just remember:<\/p>\n