Fall Home Improvement Projects

Fall in Florida gives residents much to look forward too, including home projects.

Cooler temperatures mean less humidity. Here, in Florida, that is something to take advantage of when you have the chance. Aside from the humidity, a temporary escape from the summer’s smoldering heat is also a bonus. This is the perfect time of year to tackle all of your outdoor “to-do’s” that have been postponed due to the heat and humidity.

Paint the Exterior (or maybe start with your front door)

Fresh paint is a very effective way to enhance curb appeal. Whether it is a whole house makeover or simply your front door and trim, doing this will make a large difference to the look of your home. Since many fall days are cool and comfortable, this is the perfect season to dedicate some time to the exterior of your home.

Aerate and Over-seed turf

The undisputed best time of year to aerate and seed a lawn is in the fall. Warm soils, cool nights and dying annual weeds make fall conditions the ideal time for aeration combined with overseeding as well as general lawn seeding. This allows the seeds to germinate and get established the following year.

Power wash Exterior

Due to the heat and humidity of the warmer months, dirt, mold and mildew can accumulate on the side of your home. Fall is a good time to consider power washing your home to make sure your siding is fresh and clean. Homeowners beware of attempting to DIY a power wash, as the wrong settings can remove paint or erode the side of your home.

Clean Gutters

This project is on the bottom of every homeowner’s to-do list. This job is better suited for cooler temperatures for obvious reasons.

Not only is the temperature easier to deal with but fall is also when we receive an influx of falling leaves. Clear those gutters out in preparation for the fall season.

Clean and Service your lawn mower and other tools

Though Floridians have to mow their lawns year-round, this time of year allows us to take a break allowing us to mow less frequently. This is a great time to service your lawn mower and other lawn equipment. Below is a link on how to service and maintain your lawn mower.

Trim Problem Bushes and Trees

Fall is the time to inspect nearby trees and shrubs and cut any low-hanging or dying branches before they do any damage. Though, we do not have snow to weigh down those branches, Florida’s wind storms produce enough thrust to send those limbs flying!

Replace HVAC filter or have system serviced

Replacing your filters before the start of fall not only ensures your indoor air quality stays clean. You also prevent your furnace or heat pump from working harder than necessary.

This means they’ll be less likely to break down and you’ll save on potential maintenance costs! It also means less energy consumption, which means you won’t have to worry about paying for higher utility bills.

Exterior Wood Repair

After the dampness of Spring and the heat of Summer, Fall tends to be the ideal time for any exterior wood repair. Consider your siding, porches and window castings for they have all been exposed to the harsh weather and all of its elements. Though you don’t get the visual satisfaction like you would from painting the home, this project can easily save you thousands of dollars in other damages throughout later years.

Replace old single-pane windows or re-caulk existing

Replacing windows can be pricey. Though worth the savings due to an improved electricity bill, some cannot afford to make that initial investment.

A more affordable route would be to re-caulk your windows and doors. Doing so seals all nooks and crannies that water, bugs and drafts all love to make their way through. Like wood repair, exterior caulking and sealing isn’t a project that is going to give you a noticeable visual payoff, but it can save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Switch Ceiling Fan Direction

This tip is easily looked past since we tend to think that a ceiling fan is for keeping cool in the summer. By switching fan directions, they provide year-round energy savings and comfort. Ceiling fans should turn clockwise in order to recirculate warm air down into the room. Most fans have a simple switch that will reverse the direction.

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