Fall is here! As the temperatures cool down and the scenery changes, you might have a few ideas for improving your place.

Homeowners have many options to consider. With the weather becoming a little milder, this might be the perfect opportunity to complete some projects. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some home improvement ideas to inspire you.

These projects can vary in length and complexity. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider your safety first and seek assistance when you need it.

Check out These Outdoor Home Improvement Projects

Aside from routine yard work, there are a few seasonal chores you may want to add to your list. These tasks are helpful because they may promote a healthy lawn, protect your home from damage, and maintain its value.

Clean your gutters. The gutters are vital to protecting your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. If you live in Florida, you already know (or perhaps have even seen firsthand) that summer brought a lot of rain. With the rain easing up, now’s a good time to check your gutters to ensure they’re in good shape.

Clear out any debris like pine needles, leaves, and sticks. This also includes the drainage areas and the downspouts to ensure proper water flow. Your roofing may have also left some runoff, so it’s a good idea to remove this “gunk” where possible. This article from The Spruce details how to clean gutters from the ground.

Also, check your gutters for damage and wear. Common warning signs of gutter damage include standing water, sagging, and gaps between the gutters and roofing. These are signs that you may be due for gutter replacement or repairs.

Weatherproof your windows and doors. It’s an often-overlooked detail, but your windows and doors contribute a lot towards keeping the inside of your home comfortable. Windows and doors in good condition help keep your energy costs manageable.

Check your window installations for cracks between the seals and use caulk to fill in gaps. Inspect the weather stripping on all doorways that lead outside.

Another thing to check is the insulation inside your windows. If you see fogging between the panes, scheduling a window inspection or replacement project might be a good idea.

Rake and mulch fallen leaves. As the season continues, leaves will start falling from the trees. Keep your yard, patio area, and walkways safe by picking up or raking the leaves as they fall.

Instead of bagging them for the usual trash collection, use the clippings to feed your lawn. Mulch fallen leaves and spread them around your flower beds and at the base of trees. These clippings will return nutrients to the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth.

Try These Indoor Home Improvement Projects

Keeping the inside of your house comfortable and energy-efficient also matters. Here are a few ideas for keeping your place in great shape.

Clean the fireplace. Florida may not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions the word “fireplace.” At the same time, it’s a classic fixture that can set the scene for gatherings during the winter holidays. If you have a fireplace, it’s time to prepare the area so it’s ready to burn brightly when you need it.

Home fireplaces can use wood, gas, or electricity, which means there will be different approaches to cleaning each type. Generally speaking, you can clean glass fixtures and the surrounding area of dust, soot, and dander.

The Home Depot has a handy write-up on cleaning a fireplace. If you're doing a deep cleaning, remember to be mindful of your respiratory health and use the proper safety equipment. Hiring a professional is always an option.

Install or replace window screening. Let’s revisit the windows for a second. While it’s a good idea to prepare for the winter by weatherproofing, what about your indoor comfort now? This season, you can lower your indoor cooling costs by leaving the windows open.

Install or replace the screening of your windows and patio doors. Screens allow a cross-breeze to flow through your living space while keeping pests out. As a result, you’ll give your air conditioning a break and save on your energy bills.

Clean your HVAC and replace the filters. Many Florida residents appreciate fall and winter because they give the air conditioning a well-deserved rest. If you plan on spending more time indoors, do your due diligence to keep your HVAC system in good shape.

The first and most cost-effective upgrade is changing the filters of your HVAC unit. This ensures the air circulating throughout your home remains clean and reduces the presence of common airborne irritants like dust and animal dander. Try to keep this item on a schedule—replacing air filters every three months or so is typical.

You should also clean out your HVAC system's central unit and heating element, especially in anticipation of winter. Throughout the year, your unit might have accumulated dust that will be burned off when you crank the heat for the first time, leading to an unpleasant burning smell. Avoid this by contacting an HVAC professional and requesting a cleaning service. Ordering an inspection to ensure your HVAC is ready for winter is also a good idea.

No matter your skill level, keeping your home in great shape is always a good idea. If you have big plans for your house this season, ensure you have what you need to reach your goals.

First Florida empowers homeowners with different financing options. When planning your next project, consider a home improvement loan. Visit a branch today or our website to learn about other lending options.