There’s a lot to love about fall: crisp air, colorful leaves, apple-picking adventures, and — of course — pumpkin spice everything. But before you settle in for a cozy season at home, it’s worth making sure your house is ready for the colder weather ahead.
A little preventive maintenance now may help you avoid inconvenient or costly repairs later. Many of these fall home maintenance tasks can be completed in a weekend, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the season — and perhaps reward yourself with a caramel apple or a pumpkin latte when the work is done.
Quick Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
- Prepare the lawn, trees, and shrubs
- Check windows and doors for drafts
- Clean and store outdoor furniture
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Replace the HVAC filter and schedule heating-system maintenance
Ready to get started? Download the full, detailed checklist below.
1. Inspect Your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts
Your roof is one of your home’s first lines of defense against rain, wind, ice, and snow. From the ground, look for loose, damaged, curled, or missing shingles. Also watch for cracked flashing, sagging areas, or other visible signs of wear.
Next, clear leaves and debris from your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can prevent water from draining properly, which may contribute to leaks or ice buildup when temperatures drop. If falling leaves are a recurring problem, consider installing gutter guards or a mesh barrier system.
Safety note: Avoid climbing onto your roof if you are not trained and properly equipped. If you notice damage — or simply cannot inspect the area safely — contact a qualified roofing professional.
2. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Store Garden Hoses
Water left inside exterior pipes can freeze, expand, and cause damage. Before freezing temperatures arrive, disconnect your garden hoses and store them in a protected area.
If your home has dedicated shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply. Then open each outdoor faucet to allow the remaining water to drain. Follow the instructions for your home’s plumbing system, and consider asking a plumber whether additional winterization is appropriate for your climate.
3. Prepare Your Lawn, Trees, and Shrubs
Give your yard one final round of attention before winter settles in. Rake leaves and remove weeds before the last mowing of the season to help keep the lawn tidy and ensure a cleaner cut.
Inspect trees and shrubs for dead, damaged, or weak branches that could break under heavy snow or strong winds. Small, easy-to-reach branches may be manageable, but larger limbs (especially those near your home or power lines) should be handled by a qualified professional.
If snow is common where you live, mark the edges of your driveway, walkways, and landscaping before the ground freezes. Those markers can make snow removal easier and help protect your lawn and hardscaping.
4. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts
Small gaps around windows and doors can let warm air escape and cold air enter, making your home less comfortable and your heating system work harder.
Check for worn weatherstripping, visible gaps, or drafts around frames. Depending on the location and material, caulk or new weatherstripping may help seal air leaks. The U.S. Department of Energy offers guidance on finding and sealing common household air leaks.
Your future self may thank you when the winter utility bills begin arriving.
5. Clean and Store Patio Furniture
Out of sight, out of mind? Not this year. A little care now can help your outdoor furniture stay in better condition for next season.
Clean each piece according to the manufacturer’s instructions, allow everything to dry completely, and store furniture in a garage, shed, basement, or other protected space when possible. If indoor storage is not available, use durable, weather-resistant covers and secure them against wind. Remember to bring cushions, umbrellas, and other fabric items inside so moisture does not become an unwelcome winter guest.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
As furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances return to regular use, fall is an important time to check your home’s safety equipment.
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and replace batteries or units according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing their batteries annually unless the alarms have sealed batteries.
Check the condition and expiration date of your fire extinguisher, remove potential fire hazards such as accumulated paper or clutter, and review your household fire-escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two ways out, when possible, and establish a meeting place outside.
7. Get Your Heating System Ready
You don’t want the first freezing night of the year to reveal a problem with your heating system. Check your furnace or HVAC filter and clean or replace it as directed by the system and filter manufacturers.
ENERGY STAR advises checking the filter monthly during heavy-use seasons and changing it when it appears dirty. It also recommends an annual pre-season heating-system checkup by a contractor.
Consider scheduling a qualified HVAC professional to inspect your furnace or heating system before cold weather arrives. If your home has a fireplace or chimney, have it inspected and serviced as appropriate before use. Professional maintenance can identify potential concerns before you need the system most.
Make Fall Maintenance a Seasonal Tradition
Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle this entire list at once. Break it into a few short sessions, gather the supplies you need ahead of time, and call a professional for tasks that require specialized knowledge, tools, or safe access.
Once the roof is checked, the hoses are stored, and the furnace is ready, you can head into winter with a little more peace of mind. Now, about that caramel apple…
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Home Maintenance
When should I start to do home maintenance?
Start early enough to complete outdoor work before freezing temperatures, snow, or prolonged wet weather arrive. The ideal timing varies by climate, but late summer through mid-fall works well for many homeowners.
What are the most important fall maintenance tasks?
Prioritize tasks that help prevent water, freeze, fire, and heating-related problems. These typically include inspecting the roof and gutters, winterizing outdoor faucets, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, sealing drafts, and preparing the heating system.
Can I complete fall home maintenance in one weekend?
Many basic tasks can fit into a weekend, depending on your home’s size and condition. Roof repairs, major tree trimming, chimney service, and HVAC work may require qualified professionals and additional time.
Which fall maintenance projects should a professional handle?
Hire a qualified professional for work involving unsafe heights, large tree limbs, electrical or fuel-burning equipment, major plumbing winterization, or repairs outside your training and experience.
A Safe Home is a Sound Investment
Maintaining your home is one part of protecting the investment you’ve made in it. If you have questions about your mortgage, your home equity, or financing options for a renovation or future move, connect with a local mortgage expert.
