Download our free fall checklist to keep your home and family safe.
When the cooler weather arrives in the fall, it’s easy to envision hot apple cider and Sunday football. But it also means it’s time to get your home ready for the cold weather that’s just around the corner. This handy fall home maintenance checklist can help you keep your home in good shape (and save money on energy costs!) this winter.
From switching out air filters to shutting down your garden’s water supply, doing the needed repairs that prevent big issues this fall can help you avoid expensive repairs later.
Exterior Fall Maintenance Tasks
Be sure to address these home exterior jobs to keep your home cozier:
Seal leaks to avoid cold air inside the home
As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s crucial to start with sealing air leaks around your home. These small gaps around windows and doors can lead to significant heat loss, driving up your energy bills. Use self-adhesive weather stripping to cover any gaps, and install a door sweep to prevent drafts.
Be sure to check for any missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points. Don’t forget the basement windows and air shutter openings. Sealing these areas with a suitable caulk will make a noticeable difference in keeping your home warm and cozy throughout the colder months.
Check your ventilation system
Next, take a look at your air vent system, including exhaust vents. Fall is an excellent time to ensure your vents are free from clogs that could trap air and reduce your heating system’s efficiency. A simple inspection can save you from more significant issues down the road, ensuring that warm air circulates properly throughout your home.
Inspect your roof
Your roof is another area that deserves attention during fall maintenance. Inspect it for any damaged, missing, or loose shingles. Pay close attention to signs of wear and tear, such as curling or buckling shingles, especially near the top of the exterior walls where the attic space meets the roof. If you spot any issues, consider hiring a professional to conduct a thorough inspection and make necessary repairs. Also, check your gutters for significant accumulations of granules, which can indicate problems with your roof’s coating.
Cleaning gutters
Cleaning your gutters is an essential task that should not be overlooked. As leaves and debris accumulate, they can clog your gutters, leading to water damage and ice dams. Clogged gutters can obstruct water flow and cause debris buildup, which can ultimately damage your home’s exterior and foundation. Clear out the leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure water can flow freely away from your home. If you’re uncomfortable with this task or simply want to make it easier, consider using a gutter cleaning robot or covering your gutters with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.
HVAC System and Plumbing Maintenance
Freezing weather can wreak havoc on your heating bills. Your heating system will work overtime during the winter, so ensuring it’s in top condition is essential. Schedule a professional inspection to clean and tune up your furnace, ensuring it’s operating safely and efficiently. This is especially important as you prepare for the heating season. Regularly changing your furnace filter is also critical for maintaining proper airflow and running your system smoothly throughout the winter. While the tech is at your home, have them check your heating ducts for cleaniliness and to seal any air hole they may spot.
Water heater checkup
Don’t forget about your water heater, either. Draining it once a year helps remove sediment that can build up and cause clogs. Check the water heater for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion, and address any issues promptly to avoid larger problems later on. Additionally, bleeding your hot water radiator to release trapped air ensures it heats properly, allowing hot water to flow into the cold fins and warm up efficiently.
Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Increased Safety and Security
Safety should always be a priority, especially as you prepare your home for winter. Start by testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are crucial for keeping your family safe from toxic gas, so ensure they’re functioning properly by testing them monthly and replacing the batteries at least once a year. If your smoke detectors are over ten years old, it’s time to replace them entirely.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned
Your fireplace and chimney also need attention. A professional chimney sweep can clean and inspect them to prevent dangerous creosote buildup and ensure that your flue is in good condition. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), regular inspections and maintenance of heating appliances and the chimney liner are essential to prevent home fires. Checking for damage or blockages is essential to avoid the risk of a chimney fire.
Check your fire extinguisher
Additionally, it’s wise to inspect your fire extinguisher. Make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged and accessible in case of an emergency. Regular checks can make a big difference in ensuring you’re prepared for any unexpected situations.
Lawn and Garden Maintenance Checklist
Your lawn and garden also need some attention before winter sets in. Here are some outdoor tasks to take care of:
Fall lawn care needs, including mowing and cleaning up fallen leaves
Begin by cutting your grass short, around 1-1/2 to 2 inches, to reduce the risk of snow mold due to wet leaves. Rake and remove any falling leaves to prevent them from smothering new grass growth in the spring. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall promotes healthy growth, giving it the grass roots nutrients it needs to withstand the winter months. Aerating your lawn is another crucial step, as it helps relieve soil compaction and improves drainage. You will have a healthy lawn next spring when you take the time to address a fall cleanup.
Shrub and tree care
It’s also important to trim dead branches from trees to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow and ice. Doing this can help protect your home and property from potential damage during winter storms.
Shut down outdoor plumbing
Before the temperatures drop, be sure to disconnect and drain garden hoses. Forgetting to disconnect garden hoses can cause big headaches and plumbing bills. Frozen hoses can cause exterior pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Drain out all water, open up the discharge nozzle, and store your hoses indoors to extend their life and avoid the need for replacements.
Store patio furniture in a protected or enclosed space
Don’t forget to protect your patio furnishings and yard equipment, as well. Move them to a sheltered location to prevent damage from winter weather. Proper storage will save you from having to replace expensive items come spring.
Emergency Preparedness for Personal Safety
As winter approaches, it’s essential to stock up on winter emergency supplies. Make sure you have the necessary snow removal tools, such as shovels and salt, on hand. Check your emergency kit to ensure it’s fully stocked with essentials like flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies.
Finally, prepare a winter driving kit with items like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. Keep this kit in your car throughout the winter months to be prepared for any unexpected situations on the road.
Final Check of Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Before winter officially arrives, review your fall home maintenance checklist to ensure all tasks have been completed. If any tasks remain, schedule them as soon as possible. It’s a bad idea to put these tasks off. By properly preparing your home now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a safe, comfortable, and worry-free winter season.
Don’t forget to download our free checklist of the needed maintenance for fall. Our fall home maintenance list is a good way to keep track of your progress and ensure you’ve covered everything. Stay safe and warm this winter!
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She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
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