Get Ready for Winter with This Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As the leaves change color and temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. This fall home maintenance checklist will help ensure your property stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient all season long.
Here are eight essential maintenance tasks to tackle this fall:
1.Seal Gaps and Cracks – A Must on Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As the temperature drops, any small cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or walls can let cold air inside and cause your heating system to work overtime. Taking the time now to seal these leaks can improve comfort and reduce energy costs.
Walk around your home and inspect potential entry points for air. A helpful trick is to wet the back of your hand and hold it near windows and doors to feel for drafts. Replace damaged or missing caulking, sealant, or weather stripping. To test your weather stripping, shut a door or window on a piece of paper—if it slides out easily, it’s time for a replacement.
Don’t forget to check areas such as attic hatches, exhaust fans, electrical outlets, panels, and even floor drains for air leaks.
2. Change Furnace Filter – A Simple Fall Maintenance Tip
Swapping out your furnace filter is a simple yet crucial task that enhances indoor air quality and boosts system performance. A clean filter traps dust, pet hair, and allergens, helping your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer.
Filters come in various types—some disposable, others washable. Disposable filters like fiberglass or carbon-based versions should be changed every 3 months. Reusable ones, such as metal or electrostatic filters, can be cleaned with soap and water.
3. Check Your Furnace – Prepare It with a Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
While you may not rely heavily on heat during autumn, you’ll want your furnace fully operational by winter. Book a professional inspection before the freezing weather sets in to make sure your system is safe and functioning well.
Enercare offers heating maintenance plans that include an annual inspection by licensed technicians. These checkups catch issues early and help keep your system running efficiently.
Need more tips? Visit our blog for year-round furnace maintenance advice.
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Key for Seasonal Home Safety
Working smoke detectors are vital for protecting your home and loved ones. If your home has fuel-burning appliances (like gas furnaces or stoves), carbon monoxide detectors are just as important.
Test all alarms, especially before winter when fire and carbon monoxide risks increase. Replace the batteries—twice a year is recommended—and check their expiry dates, which are printed on each device. Replace any alarms that are near or past their expiration.
5. Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney – Fall Maintenance Essentials
If you use a fireplace, now’s the time to make sure it’s clean and safe. Creosote buildup or blockages like twigs or bird nests can be dangerous. You can inspect the chimney yourself, but it’s best to have it professionally cleaned once a year.
6. Clear Gutters and Downspouts – A Crucial Fall Checklist Task
Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, causing water to overflow and damage your roof, foundation, or even create mold. To avoid costly repairs, clean your gutters thoroughly in both the fall and spring. Make sure water can drain away freely from your home.
7. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
Freezing water in outdoor pipes can lead to cracks and damage. Before the first frost, disconnect garden hoses and drain them. Shut off outdoor faucets using interior shutoff valves to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts.
8. Rake Leaves Away from Vents and Walkways – Smart Fall Prep Step
Leaves piling up around your home can block essential systems like downspouts, vents, or gas meters. Rake leaves away from these areas and walking paths. However, consider leaving some leaves on your lawn—they provide habitat for pollinators and enrich the soil naturally.
