Fall in New Mexico is one of the most breathtaking times of the year! The Cottonwoods along the Rio Grande, crisp mountain air, and that unmistakable scent of roasting chile. But as the temperatures drop across the high desert, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead.
Here are our top POPP fall home maintenance tips to prepare your property for the season!
Protect Outdoor Plumbing Before the First Freeze
Even mild New Mexico winters can bring unexpected overnight freezes. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs, especially in older Albuquerque and Santa Fe homes.
Tip: Disconnect and drain all garden hoses, shut off and drain sprinkler systems, and use insulated faucet covers on outdoor spigots.
Winterize Swamp Coolers & Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
Winterizing your swamp cooler, aka evaporative cooler, at the appropriate time will reduce damage to your system due to cold weather. Be sure to turn off the water and drain the line. Also, let the water tank in the unit drain to prevent cracks, mold, and mildew growth. Before turning on your heating system, consider scheduling a professional HVAC service. Clean filters and well-maintained systems run more efficiently and improve indoor air quality.
Tip: Replace air filters every 1 - 3 months to keep your system running smoothly through the fall and winter.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Falling leaves, twigs, and dirt can quickly clog gutters. Clogged gutters can cause roof damage by overflowing water seeping into the roofline, leading to future leaks. Ensure your downspouts function correctly and direct water away from your home's foundation.
Tip: Clear gutters of debris, flush with water, and be sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Installing gutter guards is also a great way to limit the amount of debris in your gutters.
Prepare Your Yard
Give your plants a strong foundation before winter. Wrap or cover delicate plants and young trees to protect them from frost, and bring potted plants indoors or into a sheltered area. These suggestions will help your yard bounce back beautifully in the spring.
Tip: Trim and remove any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to prevent breakage and possible costly repairs to your home or vehicles due to a winter storm.
Safety First! Smoke/CO Detectors & Fireplace/Wood Burning Stoves
As you prepare to get cozy for those cold winter months, you are more inclined to use candles and fireplaces more often. Make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working correctly. Replace old batteries and keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible. Before throwing some logs into the fireplace or some pellets into your wood-burning stove, ensure they have been adequately cleaned.
Tip: A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors whenever the time changes. As for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, ensure the firebox and chimneys are clean. You want to prevent the buildup of creosote, which will obstruct the path for the smoke to exit properly through the chimney. It's a good practice to have a chimney sweeper (wood) or a plumber (gas) come out and inspect your chimney before firing it up for the winter.
A Time to Reset and Enjoy the Fall!
Need recommendations for some professional help around the house this season? We’ve got you covered! Give us a call and we will connect you with the proper vendor that fit your needs this season. Whether you’re preparing to buy, sell or want to make the most of your home this year, our Peace of the Planet Properties team is here to help. Serving the Greater Albuquerque area and Santa Fe, we are here to help you Create Your Own Peace of the Planet!
Contact us today for more tips, a complimentary market update or to start planning your next move!
505-269-4584 | [email protected] | www.peaceoftheplanet.com
