Fall chores can save you money on your home and yard
Fall is the perfect time to make those necessary home fix-its which might have slipped through the cracks over the summer, but should definitely be addressed before winter.
Just ask Ashley Retigliano who moved from an apartment to her first house a month ago.
“It's exciting but it's a lot of work,” she explained. “We do have a pretty large property that needs a decent amount of maintenance, but definitely needs a lot more work.”
Consumer Reports says that some chores can save you money in the end. Starting with your lawn – it is recommended you avoid leaving matted leaves on the grass.
“Using your lawn mower’s mulching mode to return nutritious bits of leaves and grass back into the soil, plus it saves your back from raking,” Paul Hope, Consumer Reports Home Editor
You will also save money on leaf bags, and patching the lawn come spring.
Unfortunately, leaves do not just fall on your yard. Leaves, sticks and other debris can clutter gutters, causing rain to overflow and pool around your home’s foundation, and even seep inside.
“And if the water in your gutters gets cold enough to freeze, ice dams can form, which forces water back under your roofing shingles and even results in drips inside the house,” said Hope.
The safest way to clear gutters is from the ground, using a wand extension for your hose or even an attachment for your leaf blower or wet vac. Never go onto the roof to clean your gutters. In addition, to protect your foundation make sure your gutters drain at least five feet from the house.
Then take some time to inspect your roof. Use binoculars to look for shingles that appear cracked or curled. Small leaks can damage the wood sheathing and rafters and damage your home’s interior.
Consulting a professional can save you money down the line.
“A pro can inspect the flashing around your chimney and any skylights, and catch any leaks before they get worse,” added Hope.
Finally, do not forget to close your hoses to avoid the risk of bursting a pipe in sudden freezing weather. Shut off inside valves, and then drain any leftover water from the outside spigots.
This is also the time of year to replace those furnace filters. Dirty air filters can restrict heat airflow in your home and lead to expensive repairs.
With files from Consumer Reports
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.