It's that time of year again - school is back in session, the leaves are starting to change, & that crisp fall air is moving in. The start of Fall ushers in a great time to work on some home maintenance items in preparation for the cold winter months. Below is a list of 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips to help you cosy up to the new season.

1. Clean Rain Gutters

Once those leaves have dropped clean out your rain gutters and downspouts. It's a good time to fix any loose joints or connections too.

2. Furnace Maintenance

Change your furnace filter and have your furnace serviced by a licensed HVAC professional. Tuning your furnace each year will help it run more efficiently and may increase its lifespan too. If you have a home warranty this is a service that is often covered. You pay only your service fee. And even without a home warranty, it's not very expensive.

3. Check Windows

Caulk or seal around your windows and doors to fill in any cracks. This will keep cold air from finding a way inside during those winter storms. Placing weather stripping in your windows and doors will help too.

4. Check Roof

Check your roof for damaged or loose shingles, corroded flashing or leaky vents and have them fixed.

5. Winterize Sprinkler System

Drain and winterize your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep the pipes from freezing. Also detach and store your hoses.

6. Get Ready for Snow Removal

Get your snow removal gear ready to go. Put your windshield scraper in the car, make sure you have a snow shovel, and, if you have a snow blower, have it serviced.

7. Winterize Garden Equipment

Clean off tools, service your lawn mower, store everything somewhere dry for the winter.

8. Fireplace Maintenance

If you plan to utilize a wood burning fireplace during the cold months it's a good idea to have the chimney swept and the damper checked.

9. Ceiling Fan Switch

Change the direction your ceiling fans spin so that they create an updraft and circulate the warm air through the house for more efficiency.

10. Smoke Detector Check

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and change them if needed. A good rule of thumb is to check and change these batteries every time you set your clocks back or ahead. 

And when you're done with all that, enjoy this weather and beauty. It's one of the best times of the year.