Fall is a wonderful time — if your home is ready for it. So enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather, but do a little preventative maintenance while you’re at it. You’ll fix small problems before they become big, and big ones before they become catastrophes. Here are 10 tips to help:

1. Look up. Examine your roof closely. Moss should be removed and debris cleared from gutters and downspouts.
2. Look down. Check for signs of animals and insects around your home and garage.
3. Keep things warm. Heat escapes through leaks, so seal drafty windows and doors. Cover outdoor faucets.
4. Keep things dry. Drain outdoor hoses and irrigation systems. Check for basement moisture and furnace leaks.
5. Clear the air. Check dryer vents, attic vents, and exhaust ducts. Replace furnace filters.
6. Take a walk. Repair cracks in driveways and walkways, and check your deck for wear.
7. Get a tune-up. Service your furnace, boiler, water heater, oven, and range.
8. Don’t play with fire. Clean your chimney and check for soot/creosote buildup.
9. Check fire extinguishers. Ensure they are pressurized and accessible on every floor.
10. Check safety detectors. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries.