Fall is the perfect time to get some of those home maintenance tasks done that you’ve been putting off all summer. Before the snow and cold weather of winter arrives, you should be looking for ways to conserve heat and protect your home from the onslaught of the elements.

It’s also a great time to take care of a few of those nagging little problems you really don’t want to tolerate until the warmer weather of spring arrives next year. Here is a list of home-care tasks that can help get you started.

Sweep Your Chimney

If you enjoy using a fireplace during the cool days of autumn and the cold days of winter, now is the time to get your chimney swept. This is one task you should schedule as early in the season as possible, before your local chimney-sweep’s calendar becomes fully booked.

In fact, some chimney-sweeps even offer off-season discounts. If you find that you’re paying more than you’d like this year to get the job done, mark your calendar next year to schedule this task during the summer.

Weatherproof Your Windows

Windows are one of the prime areas where heat can escape from a home. If you remember feeling cold air around your windows last winter, now is the time to make sure you don’t experience the same problem this year. Although there’s a lot to be said for replacing older windows with more energy-saving models, that might not be in your budget this year.

You can improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows by simply using caulk to seal any small spaces that are letting cold air in and warm air out. Weather-stripping can also be used to help create tighter-sealing windows. If you have a particularly problematic window, plastic film that can be affixed to the window frame and then tightened using a hair dryer can really work wonders.

Outdoor Landscaping Tips

Before the weather gets too cold, it’s time to take care of a few outdoor landscaping chores. Cut down, rake, and remove any dead plant materials from your summer planting beds. By doing so, you’ll reduce the chances for insects and plant diseases in your beds next spring.

Some plants and bushes appreciate being pruned during the fall. However, before taking your pruning shears to your favorite bush, be sure to do a little research to make sure it’s the right time of year for the task.

Autumn is the perfect time to plant flower bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. When these beautiful flowers appear next spring, you’ll be glad you took the time this fall to plant them.

Fall is also the time to get your patio and deck furniture ready for the winter season. If possible, move your furniture into a protected area such as a storage barn. If you must leave them outdoors through the winter, protect them with specially designed covers. Before storing or covering your patio furniture, give them a good cleaning. By doing so, you’ll save time next spring when you’re ready to use them again for your first cookout.

Alyssa Davis of Metal-Wall-Art.com specializes in creating stylish interiors with metal wall art. She is a staff writer and decorating specialist with Metal-Wall-Art.com where she offers stylish suggestions for decorating with metal wall decor.