Helping homeowners maintain and upgrade their home

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to dip, Minnesota homeowners know what’s coming. The first cold snap can arrive quickly, and if your home isn’t ready, you could be facing drafty rooms, higher utility bills, or unexpected repairs. The good news? With a few proactive steps now, you can keep your home comfortable, efficient, and protected all season long. Here are the five must-do fall home maintenance tasks to tackle before the cold sets in. 1. Schedule a Furnace Inspection & Replace Filters Your furnace is about to work overtime. A professional inspection ensures it’s running safely and efficiently when you need it most. Technicians will check for issues like carbon monoxide leaks, dirty burners, or worn parts that could leave you without heat on the coldest day of the year. Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter, too. A clean filter not only improves air quality but also helps your system run more efficiently — saving you money on energy bills. 2. Seal Cracks and Gaps to Keep Drafts (and Pests) Out Even small cracks around windows, doors, or your home’s foundation can cause chilly drafts and let pests find their way inside. Walk around your home and check for gaps in caulking, weatherstripping, or siding. Seal any openings with fresh caulk or foam sealant. This quick weekend task will make your home more comfortable and cut down on heating costs. 3. Prep Outdoor Spaces for the Weather Shift Minnesota’s fall weather can swing from sunny afternoons to frosty mornings in a hurry. Protect your outdoor spaces and equipment by: Cleaning and storing patio furniture Covering or disconnecting outdoor faucets and hoses Cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams later in the season Storing or servicing lawn equipment before winter These steps not only extend the life of your outdoor items but also prevent damage during sudden temperature drops. 4. Check Windows and Doors for Energy Efficiency Before the winds of November hit, take a close look at your windows and doors. Replace any worn weatherstripping, adjust door sweeps, and consider installing storm windows if you have them. Improving your home’s seal now keeps warm air inside and cold drafts outside — plus, it can noticeably lower your heating costs all winter. 5. Test Safety Devices Fall is a great reminder to check your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries and make sure each device is in good working order before you’re spending more time indoors with the heat running and fireplaces lit.  Stay Ahead of Home Maintenance with TOVA Tackling seasonal maintenance on your own can feel overwhelming — and easy to forget in the busy fall rush. That’s where TOVA’s subscription service comes in. We’ll handle proactive maintenance like furnace filter changes, caulking, and seasonal checkups, so your home is always ready for Minnesota’s changing seasons. 👉 Ready for peace of mind this fall? Contact TOVA today to schedule service or learn more about our subscription plans.

Summer in Minnesota isn’t just sunshine and lakes—it also brings powerful storms, high winds, hail, and heavy rains. These seasonal shifts can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. Proactive summer maintenance is essential to protect your investment, your family, and your peace of mind. At TOVA MN , we believe in preventing problems before they start. Here's how smart homeowners can storm-proof their summer. 🌪️ Why Storm-Ready Matters in Minnesota Minnesota ranks among the top U.S. states for hail and thunderstorm activity during the summer. While you can’t stop the weather, you can minimize the damage it causes. Key Risks: Roof and siding damage from wind and hail Basement flooding from poor drainage Power outages and electrical surges Fallen trees or branches Blocked gutters and water backups 🛠️ 7 Proactive Steps for Storm Safety & Home Protection Inspect and Clear Gutters & Downspouts Backed-up gutters can lead to roof leaks and foundation damage. Clear debris, ensure downspouts direct water away, and add extenders if needed. Check Your Roof and Siding Look for missing shingles, soft spots, or loose panels. Addressing small issues early prevents costly leaks after a storm. Seal Windows and Doors Caulking and weatherstripping keep wind-driven rain and drafts out—critical for energy efficiency and water protection. Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs Cut back overhanging branches and remove weak trees before they fall on your home, car, or power lines. Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment Grills, patio chairs, and lawn tools can become dangerous projectiles. Anchor or store them before stormy forecasts. Check Sump Pump and Drainage Systems Ensure your sump pump works reliably and exterior drains are unblocked—especially if your basement is prone to flooding. Test Smoke & CO Detectors and Emergency Lights Summer storms can lead to outages or electrical faults. Have flashlights ready and surge protectors in place. 🧰 How TOVA Helps: One Subscription, Total Protection TOVA’s summer maintenance service prepares your home before the first storm hits. We handle the details so you can relax knowing your home is ready. 🏠 Stay Safe, Stay Ahead Minnesota storms may be inevitable—but stress, damage, and disruption don’t have to be. Let TOVA MN keep your home storm-ready, safe, and sound all summer long.  #MNStormSafety #HomeProtection #TOVAMN #SummerMaintenance #SafeHome #MinnesotaWeather #StormPrep #ProactiveHomeCare

Prep your MN home for summer & grad parties with TOVA’s tips on maintenance, hosting, and outdoor care.