Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (2024 Guide)

As the leaves turn colors and the weather cools, it’s a clear sign that fall is here. While autumn is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like campfires and apple picking, it’s also a reminder that winter is fast approaching, making it crucial to complete your fall home maintenance checklist to ensure your home is ready for the change of seasons.

Perform HVAC Maintenance

One of the most important fall home maintenance checklist tasks is scheduling your annual heating tune-up. Your furnace, boiler, or heat pump should receive maintenance each fall, ideally before the cold weather sets in.

During a fall furnace tune-up, an HVAC technician will inspect critical components, clean necessary parts, and tighten electrical connections – all to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. They will also identify any minor issues and recommend the needed repairs before they turn into bigger, more expensive issues down the road.

Regular furnace maintenance improves overall system efficiency, reduces wear and tear, and decreases the risk of unexpected breakdowns when you need your furnace the most.

Check Your Furnace Filter

If you can’t schedule professional maintenance or it’s not in your budget this year, at least inspect and replace your furnace filter if it’s clogged. Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced as needed, typically every 2-3 months. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can lead to inefficient operation, increased wear and tear, system overheating, and potential breakdowns.

Clean Your Gutters

Leaves and debris can clog up your gutters in the fall, leading to potential water damage or ice dams in the winter. Ensure that rainwater flows freely away from your home’s foundation to avoid structural issues.

If leaves have accumulated on your roof, use a roof rake to remove them. Remember, safety first! If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself or your roof is high, making the gutters difficult to access, consider hiring a professional.

Rake the Leaves

Raking leaves is a chore, but it’s also an important task to perform each fall. Not only is a yard full of leaves unsightly, but leaves can harm your grass and garden over the winter months.

Leaves block out crucial sunlight and nutrients – potentially killing your grass – and can promote fungal diseases, mold growth, and attract pests. Additionally, leaves can stain driveways and walkways. Use a mulching mower, rake, or blower to clear them away.

Prepare Outdoor Spigots for Winter

Before winter sets in, disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots and store them in the garage or shed. Turn off the water valves to the spigots and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and potential damage. These simple steps will ensure your spigots are ready to go when spring arrives.

Caulk Your Windows

Caulking your windows in the fall helps prevent drafts and heat loss. This keeps more of your hard-earned money in your wallet through lower energy costs. First remove any old caulk and clean the area thoroughly. Apply high-quality exterior caulk with a caulking gun, smoothing it with a tool or your finger for a nice finish. Allow the caulk to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before it is exposed to rain or cold temperatures.

Inspect and Clean the Chimney

Relaxing by the fire is a great way to spend an autumn evening. But before you start using your fireplace or wood stove for the season, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. This helps prevent chimney fires and ensures that your heating system operates safely and efficiently.

Check Weatherstripping and Insulation

Another easy tip to get your home ready for winter is to inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure it’s intact. Replacing damaged weatherstripping and adding insulation where needed can help improve energy efficiency and keep your home warmer during the winter months.