While summer isn’t over, we’re nearing the unofficial end of summer…Labor Day. 

After that long weekend, it’s only a few days before the kids return to school, and the parents and guardians get a well-deserved break.

But you can’t rest on your laurels for too long since the impending fall season means your to-do list as a homeowner will keep you busy. 

Here are five must-do fall maintenance items every homeowner should have on their to-do lists.

1. Rake Leaves

If you have a property with trees or reside near people with trees, you might have a lot of leaves to collect in the fall. Collecting leaves can be a chore — especially if the leaves come from a neighbor’s tree. 

However, certain tools can simplify the task. For instance, a leaf blower can help gather the leaves in one location, making it easier to collect them. You can also enlist your kids to help rake and bag the leaves. They’ll have fun. And many hands make light work, after all.

You can make things especially easy if you mulch the leaves on the lawn instead of raking them or using a leaf blower. You can get a lawn mower equipped with a mulching blade. As you mow, the mulching blade will break the leaves into small pieces. You can leave them on the lawn, where they’ll decompose, fertilize your lawn, and even discourage the germination of weed seeds. When the spring season rolls around, you’ll see less crabgrass and fewer dandelions.

2. Check Caulking Around Windows and Doors

According to one source, windows, skylights, and doors can account for as much as 35% of total house heat loss. As we near the time of year when the HVAC will run fairly consistently, you need to look for any potential problems. Check the caulking. If any of it is missing, apply some. Caulking is available at any big-box store and is relatively inexpensive. 

If there are gaps in the caulking, you could experience water leaks, and your home will lose heat during the cold weather season. That’ll make the interior less comfortable and increase your utility bills. If your windows, doors, or skylights need replacing, consider replacing them.

3. Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check and test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors this fall. You should have at least one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. Look at the regulations in your area about how many to install and where to install them. The fall is a good time to change the batteries as well. 

4. Book HVAC Service

You need your HVAC equipment serviced as well. You must never overlook regular maintenance. Otherwise, you might encounter difficulties that leave you without heat. The last thing you need is a non-functional HVAC unit on the coldest weekend of the year. Find a good HVAC service company for annual service. Take care of your HVAC, and it’ll take care of you.

5. Roof Inspection

Getting a roof inspection done each year is also a good idea. While you’re at it, have someone check your chimney since it’s part of the roofing system anyway. If anything out of the ordinary is discovered, you can get the work done before the snow starts to drop.

Homeowners always have something on their to-do lists. It’s a never-ending saga. What you don’t want is to let anything slide between the cracks. If you do, your to-do list will get longer and make your life more stressful as you play catch-up to get things done.