Fall is the perfect time to start finishing up your summer projects and preparing your home for the coming cooler months. 

There are a few different things that you should remember for your fall checklist. 

1. Clean Up Trees & Shrubs

Your trees and shrubs have been growing under your care all spring and summer, but when fall comes they start to prepare for dormancy in the winter. This means that their leaves fall off and some branches start to die. 

Make sure to rake up the leaves so that they won’t get mold and mildew, or kill the grass under them. Then make sure to trim the trees that have dead branches. Dead branches are more likely to break and fall, which could damage cars or fall on powerlines. 

2. Remove Window A/C Units

Window A/C units are great in the summer, they are a cheaper way to cool down your home than installing an A/C unit and make a big difference. 

However, they also require the window to be open, and in the colder days of the month the cracks can let in cold air or even moisture. 

Make sure to remove them during the fall if you can! If they need to stay in the window, cover the outside half of the A/C unit with an insulation wrap to keep the cooler winter air from coming inside. 

3. Clean Gutters & Downspouts from Debris

Clear out your gutters from leaves and debris that have likely gotten stuck in them from the fall season. This will keep your drainage system working properly and also keep them in good condition. 

Check that gutters and downspouts are secured to your home and that when they drain water doesn’t pool close to the foundation of your home. This will prevent damage to your home’s foundation, driveway and walkways. 

4. Heating Systems

Your heater is one of the most important things to check on before winter comes, no one wants to find out their heater is broken when you really need it. 

Replace the filter in your furnace and make sure that everything is connected properly. Clean out your air ducts from dust so that your heater doesn’t blow dust and other allergens in the air. 

5. Winterize Your Pool

Although winter in San Diego doesn’t mean snow, it does mean colder temperatures and it is a good idea to drain pools and cover them. 

Pools can be hazardous if they are not taken care of properly, so make sure to contact a service professional if you need help. 

Since you likely won’t be using them much, this is a good way to clean them out so they are ready to go come springtime. It will also save you money on heating and filtering them during the winter. 

7. Doors & Windows

If your home has interchangeable storm windows and screens, get started changing out the screens and putting the storm windows back in. This will keep your house warmer during the winter and also keep the screens from getting damaged. 

Add weather stripping to areas in doorways or windows where there are gaps or cracks. This will help insulate your home as well. 

8. Check for Moisture Problems

Check your attic and basement to make sure that water didn’t get in during the summer and start growing dangerous mold or mildew. 

If you do find a leak make sure to patch it up so that it doesn’t keep allowing moisture in. If there are no leaks but it feels like there may be moisture in the air, use a dehumidifier to keep mildew from growing.