Schedule heating system service
Book your furnace or heat pump tune-up in September or October before contractors get booked up. Single most important fall task.
Read moreTest heating system before you need it
Run your heat on a mild day. Listen for unusual sounds, check for burning smells, and verify heat at every vent.
Read moreReverse ceiling fan direction
Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in winter to push warm air down without creating a draft. Can reduce heating costs up to 10%.
Read moreCheck attic insulation
Insulation should cover joists fully, 10-14 inches deep. Gaps cause heat loss and ice dams. Fall is the time to add if needed.
Read moreInspect fireplace and chimney
Schedule professional chimney inspection and cleaning. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires. Check damper and firebox too.
Read moreClean gutters after leaves fall
Wait until most leaves have fallen (late October/November). Clogged gutters cause ice dams and water damage. Most critical cleaning of the year.
Read moreInspect roof before winter
Check for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and debris. Winter ice and snow expose every weakness.
Read moreSeal exterior gaps and cracks
Check caulking around windows, doors, trim, and utility penetrations. Seal gaps before winter drives moisture into your home.
Read moreInspect and replace weatherstripping
Check every exterior door. Replace cracked, compressed, or missing weatherstripping. Use the dollar bill test to find bad seals.
Read morePrepare window treatments for winter
Clean windows for solar gain, install storm windows, consider insulation film, and use heavy curtains strategically.
Read moreWinterize exterior faucets
Disconnect hoses, shut off interior valves, drain the lines, and install insulated faucet covers. Do this before the first hard freeze.
Read moreWinterize irrigation system
Have sprinkler system professionally blown out with compressed air before freezing temps. Water trapped in pipes will crack them.
Read moreFall lawn care
Apply fall fertilizer (more important than spring), overseed thin areas, keep mowing until grass stops growing, and keep leaves from smothering the lawn.
Read morePlant spring bulbs
Plant tulips, daffodils, and crocus 6-8 weeks before ground freezes. Follow spacing and depth guidelines, protect from squirrels.
Read moreProtect vulnerable plants
Apply 4-6 inches of mulch around tender perennials, wrap young trees, protect roses with cones or mulch mounds, bring in potted plants.
Read moreStore outdoor furniture and equipment
Clean furniture, drain hoses, bring in ceramic pots, stabilize gas in lawn equipment. Protect your investment before winter.
Read moreTest smoke and CO detectors
Heating season increases carbon monoxide risk. Test every detector, replace batteries, and replace any unit over 10 years old.
Read morePrepare winter emergency kit
Stock ice melt, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Know how to safely use alternative heating.
Read morePrepare for snow removal
Service the snowblower (oil, spark plug, shear pins), locate shovels, stock up on ice melt, and hire a plow service if needed.
Read moreCheck outdoor lighting
With shorter days, outdoor lighting matters for safety. Replace burned-out bulbs, adjust motion sensors, and consider timers.
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