8 SMART FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

Continue to mow your lawn until the first frost. Remove the leaves when your grass has stopped growing.

Falling leaves clog your gutter. Not cleaning your gutters can lead to wet basements.
Clean your outdoor furniture. Refinish it if necessary to prevent rust. If you store it inside, allow for airflow so you avoid moisture damage.
Schedule any indoor painting you need done. The weather is usually ideal for leaving windows open for ventilation.
Check your insulation in your attic, basement and other areas. If you find any dirty spots, it often indicate air leaks into or out of your home. If you find any holes, seal them with caulk.
Exterior lighting is very important. With dark days ahead, check all your bulbs and consider using timers to turn lights on at dusk and off in the morning.
Properly discard or store paint, caulk or adhesives in a heated area to prevent them from freezing. Check with your local hazardous material recycler for instructions on discarding products that could be toxic. Drain all gasoline-powered tools.
Clean and/or repair your chimney. Before you light the first log, get your chimney cleaned and make any necessary repairs.