Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: How to Prep Your Home This Autumn

Fall is here, which means colorful leaves, shorter days, and cooler temperatures. It’s that time of year when you can cheer on your favorite football team, bring out the holiday decor, and get cozy by the fire. It’s also time to start preparing your home for the change in seasons. There are many indoor and outdoor household tasks to tackle during these autumn months so you’re prepared for any seasonal storms that might come your way. 

To help you get started, we’ve compiled the ultimate fall home maintenance checklist so you can make sure your home is ready. Whether you own a home in Denver or just moved into a house in Philadelphia, keep reading to see how you can complete your home maintenance tasks before autumn turns to winter.

7 exterior fall maintenance tasks

1. Clear your gutters and downspouts

One major fall home maintenance task you’ll want to complete is cleaning out and inspecting your gutters and downspouts. Start by cleaning out any leaves or debris. This will help prevent rot, pests, and rusted gutters. Check gutter support brackets to make sure none are loose. You’ll also want to double-check that water isn’t flowing down behind the gutters, draining, or pooling near the foundation or driveway.

2. Inspect your home’s exterior and roof

Before winter arrives, be sure to inspect the exterior of your home, including the roof. This is a critical step to ensure your home is in the right condition to withstand the weather. If you see signs of peeling paint, this may indicate that your home’s exterior is no longer protected. In that case, consider applying a fresh coat of paint to provide another layer of protection. 

When examining the roof, keep an eye out for loose or missing shingles. These are vital layers to protect your home from water damage during the fall and winter months. If you see these signs of damage, it’s better to have your roof repaired before your roof begins to leak during a storm.

3. Have your chimney inspected 

It’s important to have a chimney inspection before starting up your fireplace for the autumn season. A professional can inspect for any cracks, signs of damage, and any soot or creosote buildup, which is a potential fire hazard. Make sure to have the flue tested to ensure the seal is tight. It’s a good idea to have the chimney professionally cleaned to remove any buildup.

4. Get your lawn and landscape ready for fall

Fertilize, aerate, and reseed your lawn as part of your fall home maintenance checklist. You’ll also want to winterize the sprinkler system, which can be done on your own or with the help of your local landscaping or lawn care company. Consider hiring a tree service to trim large trees to help avoid potential power outages or caved-in roofs in the event of severe storms or winds. 

5. Protect your patio from the elements

To prevent hazardous walking conditions, it’s important to tend to sidewalks, driveways, and front steps. Make sure any railings around your house are in good condition and aren’t showing signs of instability or rotting wood. Relocate any outdoor furniture to prevent damage.

6. Winterize your pool

If your home has a pool, there are a few key fall home maintenance tasks you’ll want to tick off your checklist. First, consider hiring a professional to help winterize your pool and conduct any related hot tub or pool maintenance. They can help you decide on the right pool cover and add important chemicals before your pool hibernates for the season. 

7. Test your snow equipment before winter

For those who live in areas where it snows often during the fall and winter, make sure your snow equipment is working properly and easy to find. Store shovels, rakes, and snowblowers in a place where they aren’t exposed to the elements, and you can easily access them in case of early-season snowfall. Even if snow isn’t a regular occurrence in your area, it’s good to have a snow shovel on hand just in case. 

5 indoor fall maintenance tasks

1. Make sure your HVAC system is ready

It’s important to have your heating systems inspected and repaired before winter sets in. You’ll want to check all the HVAC vents and air ducts for dust and debris that have built up over the summer. Your local HVAC company can help you do routine maintenance and cleaning before. Routine maintenance can improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut down on any dust that contributes to household allergies.

2. Check your plumbing

Prepare for winter by making sure that your plumbing systems are intact and operating properly. Check and test the pressure valves on your water heater for any leaks. To prevent your pipes from freezing, consider having a licensed plumber insulate pipes in the basement, garage, and attic spaces. Shut off the main water valve and disconnect hoses, outdoor faucets, and sprinklers to keep pipes from freezing.

3. Windows and doors

If you live in an area where winter storms are common, you may want to change out summer screens on your windows and doors for winter storm screens to prevent storm damage. If your home has storm doors or windows, inspect them for any broken glass or cracks that indicate you’ll need professional repairs. You’ll also want to examine screens for any unwanted pests and schedule a pest inspection if needed.

4. Insulation and ventilation

As you’re completing your fall home maintenance checklist, double-check to make sure your insulation is in good condition. Start by sealing any cracks in the foundation or walls to help prevent heat loss. Make sure to check your attic and basement for any signs of moisture. If you notice insulation blocking any vents, move the insulation to prevent ice dams. Check ridge vents or vents at eaves for any debris or weeds and remove these blockages. 

5. Appliances

Regular appliance upkeep is a key part of home maintenance. If you haven’t checked your appliances lately, it’s a good idea to add this task to your fall home maintenance checklist. Check any hoses that are attached to the sink, washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher for leaks and tighten as needed. If repairs are necessary, now would be the time to schedule them.

When performing maintenance on your appliances, keep an eye out for any potential fire hazards. Built-up lint in and around your dryer can cause fires, so clean these out regularly. And if your home has a fireplace or you regularly light candles throughout your home, make sure you remove any fire hazards, like newspapers. 

4 maintenance tasks to maximize safety and efficiency

1. Test safety equipment

A vital part of fall maintenance is to check home safety equipment like carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors. Test any detectors around your house and replace batteries if needed. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure to install one. 

2. Make sure fire safety equipment is working

You’ll also want to test fire extinguishers and ensure alarm systems are working properly. In addition to taking these safety measures, review and practice your home evacuation plan. Have a home evacuation plan ready for any natural disasters or emergencies. 

3. Seal any air leaks

As temperatures start to drop, you’re likely to rely more and more on your heating system. Air leaks in your home can cause warm air to escape, which means more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and a higher heating bill. Sealing any air leaks, whether that means caulking around windows or installing weather stripping on your doors, will help insulate your home and keep your energy bill under control.

4. Check your water heater

Over time, minerals in water can build up at the bottom of your water heater, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. Regularly flushing your water heater prevents this buildup from occurring. Be sure to shut off the electricity or gas to the heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to flush the tank.

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