Angie's List Report: Fall home maintenance checklist

As the last of summer’s heat grows into memory and you’re pulling out your jackets more than your flip-flops.

It’s time to tackle a few simple chores that will make winter more pleasant.

Pleasant.

Here's a look at the fall home maintenance checklist.

(((take package)) vo (:12) the first thing to do to prepare for the seasonal change..

Is to check your insulation.

Here's a quick tip.

If you can see the wood beams in your attic... it's time to add more.

Natsnd full - window draft test, "there's a leak right there" (:02) vo (:06) the key to keeping cold out... is finding out how it's getting in.

Angie hicks, angie's list founder sot #1 (:14) "the first sign of cold is a great time to check the seals around your windows and doors, and an easy, do-it-yourself way to do that is to take a candle around in front of the windows lit and if it flickers, then you probably have a draft that needs attention."

Vo (:05) if you're starting to see cracks in your caulking, don't worry.

It's an easy task ... with the right tools.

David price, well done handyman & home renovations sot #2 (:09) "don't go cheap on a caulk gun because then you'll have a caulk gun that stays triggered and then it continues to spread the caulk, so don't get any real cheap caulk gun.

Get one that works really well."

Vo (:13) before the cold weather really hits ... make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.

For your own safety ... make sure your chimney is clean.

Service your furnace... and change the filter.

Also... show some love to your water heater.

You don't want to be stuck without any of these... in the dead of winter.

Angie hicks sot #2 (:16) "many homeowners don't think about their water heater until it goes out and they get a cold shower, but there is some simple maintenance you can do that can really increase the efficiency of your water heater.

Simply by draining the water heater once a year, you can increase its efficiency by 50 percent."

Vo (:07) and be sure your summer equipment -- such as your lawn mower -- is appropriately maintained and stored.

Chris arvin, mow better sot #1 (:11) "fuel is the biggest issue on storage of the mower over the winter time.

Either run it out of fuel and store it completely empty or stabilize the fuel and store it full."

Tag: ((shelby tag))) angie