Your Autumn Maintenance Reminder

If you’re a Canberra local you’ve probably noticed, it’s been warmer than normal this April. But as the old adage goes, “It always turns cold after ANZAC Day.”

We’re getting to the end of April, and you know what that means—the weather’s about to turn chilly. And as we head further into Autumn, we’re here to remind you of regular home maintenance. Here are six things to do with your home before it gets too cold!

Clean gutters and downpipes

Albeit later than usual, we are into leaf-dropping season. Ensure your gutters are clean and downpipes unblocked. Regularly cleaning your gutters now will mean less hassle come spring. We also recommend enquiring with a roofer to see if you will benefit from gutter guard, additional downpipes, or weir overflows.

Have your roof checked for cracked tiles and chipped ridge capping

Varied air temperatures can impact your roofing to the point where it can even begin to chip and crack in some areas. Before frost sets in and roofs are slippery, we recommend your roof is checked for cracked tiles and ridge capping. This could be a service done in conjunction with your gutter and downpipes cleaning.

Clean your split system air conditioning filter

Between the cool air in summer, and the heater for winter, you want to make sure your air conditioning filter is cleaned (or replaced if needed). This will help ensure your air conditioner functions well and mitigates dust particles being blown around your home.

Proper cleaning of your split system leads to higher air quality and energy efficiency, which in turn can mean lower power bills.

Clean your evaporative cooler pads, filter, and cover any ceiling vents (if not in use)

Covering the ceiling vents will discourage cool drafts as we enter winter. If your home has a rooftop unit, we recommend covering that over winter as well. Don’t forget to turn off the water to your cooler if you are not expecting to use it in winter.

Clean out your fireplace (if you have one)

If your home has a fireplace, we recommend you consider switching to cleaner electric heating options. If this isn’t an option, however, it’s important to remember that ACT law requires you to regularly maintain your fireplace. Book a chimney sweep, clean out ash safely, and burn only dry, untreated wood. A clean fireplace reduces smoke, improves efficiency, and helps meet local air quality standards.

Bonus tip for landlords

Did you know each of these five tips are examples of immediate tax deductions that landlords can reasonably claim? The Australian Tax Office has outlined benefits landlords can claim to works completed on their investment.

If you schedule major capital works (such as a roof replacement), that will enhance the property’s value, you can claim these at a percentage rate annually—typically around 2.5% over 40 years. Replacements and/or repairs of depreciating assets in the home, such as an evaporative cooler, could also be claimed as per the schedules outlined by the ATO.