Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As the leaves change color, and the air gets cooler, fall signals more than just pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters. For homeowners, autumn can be an ideal window of opportunity. It can also be your last chance to prepare your home for the harsh winter days ahead. 

By protecting your home now, you’ll have to worry less about emergency repairs during the coldest days. You’ll also make sure your family stays comfortable when the temperatures drop. 

Why Fall Maintenance Matters

Winter weather can be unforgiving to homes. Cold temperatures, snow, and high winds can expose weakness in your home’s defenses. That small gap that lets a light breeze in during summer now becomes a heat loss problem in the winter. A clogged gutter can trap water near your roof, causing water damage from snow. When temperatures are still moderate outside, it’s a good time to start addressing these issues.  

Roof and Gutters 

Your gutters protect everything below them, making them an important defense feature of your home. During the autumn season, leaves can build up in your gutters. Clean those out thoroughly and make sure there’s good water flow. Water should flow least 6 feet away from the foundation so be sure to check your downspouts too.  

Inspect your roof and give it a once over before the winter starts. Take photos and document its condition. Even the most minor cracks can lead to big leak issues when snow and ice accumulate in the winter. If you’re uncomfortable climbing onto your roof, call a professional to assist.  

Heating Systems 

An HVAC system is essential during cold months It not only keeps you warm but also keeps your home warm and free of frozen pipes. Fall is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC is ready for months of heavy use. HVAC techs will clean components, check for any leaks, and test safety features. This can cost anywhere from $50 – $200 depending on your area. Most HVAC failures happen at the beginning of heating season, so it’s good to check it out now.  

An easy fall tip would be to replace the furnace’s air filter. This increases efficiency, improves air quality, and can extend the life of your whole system. After replacing the filter, test your thermostat. Make sure it’s accurately reading the temps, and if you have an older model consider upgrading to a smart one to save you some money. 

Windows and Doors 

A person’s heating bill can increase significantly if a home is not insulated properly. This can happen when heat escapes through cracks in doors and windows. Check out your weatherstripping around both. The weatherstripping can be a rubber or caulked piece that helps seal the areas between doors and windows.  

Replace any that are cracked and seal the areas as best as possible. If needed, apply new caulk to the areas where you can. Be sure to inspect exterior doors. Weatherstripping can also be very important for garage doors. For older homes, with single-pane windows, storm windows, or plastic film kits can provide an additional insulating layer. 

Winterizing Your Exterior 

The outside of your home needs some preparation for winter as well. Drain and store all of your garden hoses in the front and back. Water left in hoses can freeze and expand, causing a rupture in the hose. Disconnect, drain completely, and store in a garage or shed. This is true for in-ground sprinklers as well. For those, you will need to get your sprinklers blown out professionally for the season. 

Be sure also to shut off any outdoor water valves and cover them with insulation. A burst pipe could cause thousands of dollars in water damage.  

Equipment, Trees, and Furniture 

Before putting away your lawn equipment, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, you should service them. Change oil in mowers, clean thoroughly, and either add a fuel stabilizer or drain completely. A little maintenance now means they’ll be ready to go in spring. 

Try to trim trees and remove any dead branches near your home. Heavy snow or rain could cause these branches to fall on or near your home costing quite some money. Clean and store your outdoor furniture as well. Moisture and freezing temperatures damage cushions and furniture frames. Clean everything and store in a garage, shed, or basement. If storage isn’t possible, invest in quality covers. 

Chimney and Fireplace 

If you have a wood stove, or fireplace, fall maintenance is important for efficiency and safety. Buildup in the chimney can cause fires, so be sure to get yours inspected if it’s been a while. Blockages from nests or debris can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home. 

Check the damper to ensure that it opens and closes properly. A stuck damper wastes heat and money. Also, stock up on firewood early. Properly seasoned wood (dried for at least six months) burns cleaner and more efficiently. Buying early often means better prices and selection. 

The Comfort of Being Prepared 

Autumn home maintenance may not be as exciting as decorating for the holidays or planning a weekend getaway to see the foliage, but it does provide peace of mind. When the first storm of the season arrives, you’ll know that your home is secure and prepared. Most of these tasks do not require exceptional skills or costly tools. In fact, most homeowners can complete most of these fall maintenance tasks themselves over a few weekends. Some tasks can involve a professional, like roof repairs, HVAC services, or chimney cleaning.  

The labor investment now is modest compared to the cost of emergency repairs during the winter months. As you rake the leaves and enjoy autumn’s crisp beauty, take the time to show your home some love. Your future warm and cozy self will be thanking your past self for the effort you put in this fall.