Like other types of housing, manufactured homes require regular maintenance to keep their systems functioning properly.
Fortunately, you can complete most of the following tasks yourself by following this seasonal FALL checklist for indoor and outdoor maintenance.
1) SAFETY CHECK
CHECK YOUR DETECTORS
If you do nothing else on this list … make sure you do this!
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. And perform the tests.
2) PREVENT WINTER WATER DAMAGE
It might seem premature to think of freezing temperatures and water pipes but NOW is the time… before the weather gets below freezing. Clean out rain gutters. Make sure that your the gutters are slanted so that rain water runs away from your manufactured home. And don’t forget to turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs.
3) REPLACE FILTERS
Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Your local utility company will often provide this service for free.
4) FALL GARDEN CLEAN-UP
Before you clean your garden tools and put them away for the winter, you should:
– Clean up vegetable garden beds.
– Remove dead summer annuals.
– Divide &/or move perennials.
– The last weeding of the year – clean up those weeds!
– If you’re planning to plant shrubs and evergreens … this is the time.
– Plant fall annuals.
– Mulch your perennials!
5) CHEAK SEALS
Wear & tear and seasonal temperature changes can cause damage to seals. Check your windows and doors for leaks and drafts. Replace your screens with storm windows, if your screens were damaged from wear and tear this is a good time to get them fixed.