Set those clocks back and don't forget your fall maintenance for your home!

by Jenn Cole

We all set our clocks back last night (or I hope you did). It was really nice to sleep in that extra hour! I will state for the record though that I am not a fan it being so dark so early. Benjamin Franklin originally began the idea of Daylight Saving Time. The rationale is to save energy for lighting all times of the year. If you are truly interested, you can read all you want about it here.
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Since this event is reliable twice a year it is a good time to remind us to do some simple home maintenance. 

Here is a Top 10 common items list:
1. Check your smoke detectors and change their batteries.

2. Check or replace your carbon monoxide detectors.

3. Schedule your HVAC maintenance. Your system should be checked out by a professional twice a year to extend the life of the system. It is easy to remember if you do it now and again in the spring when you change your clocks again. Here is a great guy!

4. Change your refrigerator water filter and clean the coils.

5. Stock up on winter storm supplies now. In North Carolina we will surely have at least one catastrophic winter storm where we get 2″ of snow and the city will shut down. (Insert laughter from all the new residents of the state from areas that actually get real snow!) Obviously, you cannot stock up on the essentials such as bread, milk, and eggs now. This is a good time to purchase your AA & AAA batteries, a shovel, and propane. It is also a good idea if you see a random sled that you get that now so you don’t need to drag out the pool floats for the kids like we did last year.

6. Disconnect your water hoses from the house. Shut off outside water valves if it becomes really cold.

7. Seal any cracks in your driveway or sidewalks. 

8. Have the gutters cleaned when the leaves finish falling.

9. Have your dryer vent checked and cleaned. Here's a guy for that too!

10. Mulch the falling leaves. Aerate, fertilize, and reseed your lawn. This way in the spring you are already ahead of the game! You didn't think I would leave you hanging.....here's a guy for that too ;)

Always remember, "a little care goes a long way". Spending a little time each season maintaining your home will payoff big time when you go to sell. After all, this is your biggest investment!