8 home improvements for fall

Here are 8 home improvement from expert Paul F. Ryan, host of DIY Network’s Weekend Handyman, for his checklist of cost-efficient home fixes to make before the cold weather hits.

1. Check the heat. No matter what kind of system your home uses (furnace, boiler, etc.), have it inspected annually by a professional so you don’t encounter problems later in the season when you need it most.

2. Reverse your fans. Ceiling fans blow air downward in the summer to help keep things cool. For the opposite effect, Ryan suggests reversing the fan so the current blows up toward the ceiling. “It circulates air and heating much better,” he says.

3. Check for drafts. “One of the most common places people lose warm air is through their outlets and switch plates,” Ryan says. “There are little gaskets you can buy for almost nothing that go behind the plate to seal air from coming in.”

4. Check the roof. “Most problems with a roof are going to show up in the first few years after a roof is installed,” says Ryan, so it’s especially important to have the roof checked if you’ve just moved in or if you’ve endured a stormy summer. And if you’re worried about cost, don’t be. “Typically you can get a roofing company to come out and do roof inspections for free.”

5. Inspect the fireplace. Cleanings and inspections of your fireplace and chimney should be done annually to help ensure safety and efficiency, but if you’re burning a softer wood, such as pine or cedar, have your fireplace inspected twice a year.

6. Drain spigots. Remember to put away all outdoor garden hoses. Also, shut off spigot valves from inside to drain any remaining water and prevent freezing.

7. Seal windows and doors. Cold air currents strain your heating system and cost you money. Try Ryan’s trick for finding drafty doors and windows: Use a stick of incense and walk around to see where the smoke moves—indicating that air is flowing indoors. According to Ryan, “That will tell you which windows and doors you need to seal instead of hiring someone.”

8. Clean out the gutters. Now is the time to tackle the gutters. But Ryan advises to “just make sure you’re comfortable on a ladder. It’s one of the places that people really get injured.” If heights aren’t your thing, consider calling a professional.
Need another incentive to get proactive before winter? Energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, heating systems and roofing can qualify for a tax credit if installed before December 31.