Have your furnace inspected. It’s smart to have your heating system serviced before you actually need to use it. Experts say that as much as 75 percent of the calls they receive about homeowners without heat are a result of not having the furnace serviced and cleaned. It will also keep your heating costs down and help keep the air in your home clean and healthy.

Apply that fresh coat of paint. Interior painting requires good ventilation, so the best time to tackle a paint spruce-up is in the fall when the humidity won’t be as high and your windows can be left open.

Inspect your roof. You’ll want to check for shingles that are cracked, buckling, or missing. Check for caulking that needs to be replaced, or moss or lichen, which could indicate deterioration underneath. If you don’t trust your own assessment, work with a certified inspector.

Check for mold. The humidity of summer can cause mold to flourish. Check locations such as around pipes, basements, or areas that don’t get the greatest air flow. If you do find mold you will want to have it removed by a professional as soon as possible.

Replace weatherstripping on doors. There could be gaps that you can’t see and that can cause much higher energy costs. It’s a simple fix that can be done with items found at your local hardware store so if you can’t remember the last time you did this, make sure you add it to your list this fall.

Check the airflow. Focus on areas like vents, the hood over your stove, dryer vents, baseboard heaters and room fans. Not only is a buildup of dust a fire hazard, but you also want to keep the air flowing and the allergens at bay.

Get control of gutters and downspouts. Autumn may be a beautiful season but all those colorful leaves have to fall somewhere. Clogs in gutters and downspouts can cause the roof to leak, which can lead to a host of other problems. It’s a slippery slope from clogged gutters to water damage in your home.

Look over your siding. You’ll want to look for any areas on vinyl siding that are buckled or warped. If you have wood siding, look for curling, splitting or cracking. Should you find an issue, you’ll definitely want it taken care of before the weather gets cold!

Inspect your insulation. The most important area to check is your attic. You should have the highest concentration of insulation here. See if there are any gaps that need to be filled. You don’t need to check the insulation in your walls unless you notice heating issues.

Make sure your detectors are working. Ensure both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. It’s smart to test them, also. Both are especially important once your furnace is in use.

Each season brings its own challenges and wear-and-tear on your home, so stay organized and focused. With summer ending and autumn on the way, you can go into the new season secure that your home is in tip-top shape!