Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Cooler Months
As summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, fall provides the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for winter's challenges. This transitional season is critical for addressing any issues that could worsen in cold weather and ensuring your home's systems are ready to keep you comfortable when temperatures drop. A thorough fall maintenance routine helps prevent costly winter emergencies, improves energy efficiency during heating season, and protects your property from seasonal hazards.
Exterior Fall Maintenance Checklist
Roof and Gutters
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
- Check for loose, damaged, or missing roof shingles
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet from the foundation
- Inspect chimney for damage and consider professional cleaning
- Check flashing around roof penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys)
Exterior Walls and Foundation
- Inspect exterior walls for cracks, holes, or damaged siding
- Look for peeling paint that could expose wood to winter moisture
- Examine foundation for cracks or signs of settling
- Check for proper grading to direct water away from foundation
- Store garden hoses and shut off exterior water sources
Windows and Doors
- Check for drafts around windows and doors
- Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal air leaks
- Inspect window glazing and replace if cracked or missing
- Consider installing storm windows for older homes
- Ensure door sweeps are in good condition
Outdoor Spaces
- Clean and store outdoor furniture
- Drain and store garden hoses
- Inspect decks and patios for damaged boards or railings
- Apply sealant to wooden decks if needed
- Cover air conditioning units after professional servicing
Interior Fall Maintenance Checklist
Heating System
- Schedule professional furnace or boiler inspection and cleaning
- Replace furnace filters
- Check that heat vents are open and unobstructed
- Test thermostat operation and consider upgrading to programmable model
- Clean baseboard heaters or radiators
Fireplace and Chimney
- Have chimney professionally inspected and cleaned
- Check fireplace damper operation
- Inspect brick and mortar for cracks or damage
- Stock up on firewood, storing it away from the house
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near heating appliances
Plumbing
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Know the location of your main water shut-off valve
- Drain outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Check water heater for leaks and consider draining sediment
- Test sump pump operation before rainy season
Energy Efficiency
- Check attic insulation levels (recommended R-38 to R-49 in most areas)
- Seal gaps around pipes, ducts, and electrical wiring
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
- Consider an energy audit to identify heat loss areas
- Check for drafts around electrical outlets and install foam gaskets
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Safety Systems
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace batteries in safety devices
- Inspect fire extinguishers and replace if expired
- Review family emergency plans for winter weather events
- Create an emergency kit with supplies for power outages
Home Security
- Check exterior lighting and replace bulbs as needed
- Inspect locks on windows and doors
- Trim bushes away from windows and doors
- Consider timers for lights if traveling during holidays
- Test security system operation
Yard and Landscape
Trees and Shrubs
- Inspect trees for dead or dangerous branches
- Prune trees and shrubs after leaves fall
- Wrap young trees to prevent winter damage
- Keep tree branches away from power lines and roof
- Remove fallen leaves from lawn, especially over drainage areas
Lawn Care
- Aerate and fertilize lawn
- Continue mowing until grass stops growing
- Rake leaves and add to compost or bag for disposal
- Winterize lawn equipment before storage
- Drain and store garden hoses
Garden and Landscaping
- Empty and clean flowerpots and planters
- Protect sensitive perennials with mulch
- Winterize irrigation systems
- Clean and sharpen garden tools before storage
- Collect and save seeds for next spring
Fall maintenance is an investment in your home's longevity and your family's comfort during the winter months. By addressing these tasks now, you can prevent emergency repairs during harsh weather, improve energy efficiency when heating costs are highest, and protect your property from winter's unique challenges.
For tasks involving heights, electrical systems, or specialized equipment, consider hiring qualified professionals who can safely perform the work and provide documentation of their service. This documentation can be valuable for insurance purposes and for maintaining your home's value.
As you check off items on this fall maintenance list, you're not just preparing your house for winter—you're creating a safe, comfortable haven where you can enjoy the cozy months ahead. Your future self will thank you when you're relaxing by the fire instead of dealing with preventable winter emergencies.
