Fall Maintenance Checklist
Fall is the most important maintenance season. Everything you do now prepares your home for winter's challenges. Skip fall maintenance and you'll pay for it with frozen pipes, heating failures, and ice dams.
Time-Sensitive Tasks
Winterizing faucets, gutter cleaning, and heating service must be done before the first hard freeze. Don't wait until the last minute - HVAC contractors book up quickly in October.
Must Do
Critical for preventing winter damage
Schedule Heating System Service
Before you need heat, have your furnace or heat pump inspected. This is the single most important fall task.
- Schedule with licensed HVAC contractor in September/October
- Replace filter before the tech arrives
- Ask about efficiency and carbon monoxide testing
- If you have a heat pump, both heating and cooling are checked
- Get quotes for any recommended repairs
Clean Gutters After Leaves Fall
The most critical gutter cleaning of the year. Clogged gutters cause ice dams and water damage in winter.
- Wait until most leaves have fallen (usually late October/November)
- Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts
- Flush with hose to ensure proper flow
- Check for and repair any damage
- This cleaning is more important than spring cleaning
Winterize Exterior Faucets
Frozen outdoor faucets cause burst pipes and major water damage. Do this before the first hard freeze.
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses
- Close interior shut-off valves to outdoor faucets
- Open outdoor faucets to drain remaining water
- Install insulated faucet covers ($3-5 each)
- Do this for all hose bibs, even frost-free models
Winterize Irrigation System
If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, it must be blown out before freezing temperatures.
- Shut off water supply to system
- Have system professionally blown out with compressed air
- Turn off irrigation controller or set to rain mode
- Mark any heads near driveways to avoid snow plow damage
- DIY possible but pros have proper compressor capacity
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
Air leaks cost money and make your home uncomfortable. Seal them before winter.
- Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors
- Replace any that's cracked, compressed, or missing
- Check window seals and caulking
- Use a dollar bill test: if it slides out easily, seal is bad
- Apply foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls
Inspect Fireplace and Chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace, have it inspected first. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires.
- Schedule professional chimney inspection and cleaning
- Check damper operation
- Inspect firebox for cracks
- Clear any debris from around fireplace
- Stock up on dry firewood (store away from house)
Test Heating System Before You Need It
Turn on your heat on a mild day to test. You don't want to discover problems on the first cold night.
- Change HVAC filter first
- Turn thermostat to heat mode, set above current temp
- Listen for unusual sounds
- Notice any burning smell (some is normal on first use)
- Verify heat at all vents
- Test carbon monoxide detector
Test Smoke and CO Detectors
With heating season starting, carbon monoxide risk increases. Make sure your detectors work.
- Test every smoke and CO detector
- Replace batteries (even if they test OK)
- Replace any detectors over 10 years old
- CO detectors especially critical with heating use
- Test after any fuel-burning appliance service
Should Do
Important for home protection and efficiency
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in winter to push warm air down without creating a draft.
- Find the direction switch on each fan
- Set to clockwise rotation (looking up at fan)
- Run on low speed
- This can reduce heating costs by up to 10%
- Don't forget to switch back in spring
Seal Exterior Gaps and Cracks
Caulk fails over time. Seal gaps before winter weather drives moisture into your home.
- Check caulking around windows, doors, and trim
- Seal gaps where utilities enter the house
- Fill cracks in foundation (use hydraulic cement for larger ones)
- Seal around dryer vent and exhaust fans
- Use exterior-rated caulk designed for the application
Fall Lawn Care
Fall is actually the most important time for lawn care. What you do now determines next spring's lawn.
- Keep mowing until grass stops growing
- Apply fall fertilizer (more important than spring)
- Overseed thin or bare areas
- Don't let leaves smother the grass
- Last mowing slightly shorter than usual
Plant Spring Bulbs
If you want tulips, daffodils, or other spring flowers, they must be planted in fall.
- Plant bulbs 6-8 weeks before ground freezes
- Follow spacing and depth guidelines on packaging
- Protect from squirrels with chicken wire if needed
- Water after planting
- They'll reward you in spring
Protect Vulnerable Plants
Some plants need winter protection. Act before hard freezes arrive.
- Apply 4-6 inches of mulch around tender perennials
- Wrap young or vulnerable trees
- Protect roses with rose cones or mulch mounds
- Bring in potted plants or protect containers
- Don't prune in fall (stimulates growth)
Store Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Protect your investment by properly storing items that shouldn't winter outside.
- Clean outdoor furniture before storing
- Store in garage, shed, or under waterproof covers
- Drain and store hoses in a frost-free location
- Bring in clay and ceramic pots (they crack when frozen)
- Stabilize gas in lawn equipment or run it dry
Inspect Roof Before Winter
Winter is hard on roofs. Address any issues before ice and snow arrive.
- Check for loose or missing shingles
- Inspect flashing around chimney, vents, skylights
- Look for debris that could trap moisture
- Check attic for signs of leaks (water stains, daylight)
- Schedule repairs before weather prevents them
Check Attic Insulation
Proper attic insulation prevents heat loss and ice dams. Fall is the time to add if needed.
- Insulation should completely cover joists (10-14" deep ideal)
- Look for gaps or compressed areas
- Check around attic hatch - often poorly insulated
- Ensure soffit vents aren't blocked
- Adding insulation is high-ROI improvement
Prepare Winter Emergency Kit
Power outages and winter storms happen. Be prepared before you need to be.
- Stock ice melt or sand for walkways
- Check flashlights and stock fresh batteries
- Have bottled water and non-perishable food
- Know how to safely use alternative heating if you have it
- Keep car gas tank at least half full
Nice to Do
After must-dos and should-dos are done
Prepare for Snow Removal
Get ready for snow before it arrives. Having a plan beats scrambling during the first storm.
- Service snowblower (oil, spark plug, shear pins)
- Locate snow shovels (ergonomic models save your back)
- Stock up on ice melt (calcium chloride is best)
- Hire a plow service if not DIY
- Know your property lines to avoid conflicts
Check Outdoor Lighting
With shorter days, outdoor lighting becomes important for safety and security.
- Replace burned out bulbs
- Clean light fixtures
- Adjust motion sensor angles if needed
- Consider timer or smart controls
- Check pathway and step lighting
Prepare Window Treatments for Winter
Windows are your biggest source of heat loss. Simple steps can improve comfort and efficiency.
- Clean windows for maximum solar gain
- Install storm windows if you have them
- Consider window insulation film for older windows
- Use heavy curtains and open south-facing curtains during day
- Draft stoppers for windowsills