The return of warm weather, even for just a short bit, may put you in the mood for some fall cleanup or organizing. This is a good time of year to tackle a few projects around your home before winter.

In our Ohio State University Extension new homebuyer classes, home inspectors and realtors share the importance of home maintenance for a variety of reasons. Regular maintenance reduces expenses by lengthening the life of major appliances and saving on energy costs.

The National Center for Healthy Housing says, “Good home maintenance can act to reduce allergens, prevent illness, and reduce injury from accidents.” They have a checklist of tasks to do throughout the year.

The University of Georgia also has a very helpful Home Maintenance Checklist with recommendations for spring and fall. You can find the complete list from these resources on our website coshocton.osu.edu under Family and Consumer Sciences, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Here are some of the things they suggest doing each fall to keep your home well maintained:

Exterior – Check for signs of rodents, bats and insect pests. Check siding and trim for loose pieces or peeling paint. Repair and repaint as needed. Check for and replace decaying or damaged trim around windows and doors. Inspect foundation for cracks.

Yard – Check garden hoses for leaks. Drain outdoor faucets and hoses and store hoses for winter. Clear dead plants or shrubs from around the house. Look for trip and fall hazards around your property.

Windows and Walls – Check weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Repair or replace broken or cracked glass.

Roof and Attic – Clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure that water is being discharged 2 to 3 feet away from the house. Check for signs of leaks in the attic. Check attic vents to be sure they are working properly. Check for signs of rodents, bats and insect pests.

Appliances – Clean out dryer vent hose and use a vacuum to remove all lint. Clean the garbage disposal. Clean the refrigerator and freezer, wash the door gasket and vacuum condenser coils. A helpful tip to check the door seal it to close it on a dollar bill. If you can easily remove the bill, then it is time to replace the gasket. Clean washing machine water inlet filters and check hoses for leaks. Clean and tune ovens and ranges.

Plumbing and Bathrooms – Check toilets and tanks for leaks. Check and repair any faucet, shower or bathtub leaks. Inspect caulking around toilets, tubs, showers and sinks. If it is damaged, scrape it out and re-caulk. Remove and clean shower heads. Check water main/meter or well pump for leaks or sweating. Check hot water heater for leaks.

Electrical Equipment – Check for frayed/damaged cords and wires. Clean all light fixtures, interior and exterior. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms and replace batteries.

Heating and Cooling – Replace air filters. This most likely should happen at other times during the year as well. Hire a professional for any tune up to HVAC equipment or to clean the chimney.

Basement and Crawlspace – Ensure there are no wet surfaces or puddles. Check for signs of mold or water damage. Check the sump pump and floor drain is working properly.

Garage – Check for proper operation of garage door safety shut-off. Check for signs of rodents, bats and insect pests. Clean out your garage following all labels to dispose of chemicals. This may mean waiting for a community collection day in the future. Repair cracks and gaps in the driveway or sidewalks.

There always seems to be something to do. Routine home maintenance really does pay off.

Today I’ll leave you with this quote from Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

Emily Marrison is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 740-622-2265.