Fall Maintenance Tips

Halloween decorations and pumpkin spice means… it’s time to knock out your fall maintenance checklist!

Here’s what you need to get your home ready for colder weather.

1. Roof Inspection

Your roof takes the brunt of the weather, so before winter hits, make sure it’s in top shape. Have it inspected by a pro to catch any loose shingles, leaks, or minor damage. A small repair now can save you from a big headache—and bigger costs—later when snow and ice roll in.

2. Clean Your Gutters & Drains

Fallen leaves look pretty, but not when they’re clogging your gutters. Keep them clear to prevent water overflow, which could lead to flooding in your basement or around your windows. Pro Tip: Check your local HOA or city schedule—many areas offer free leaf collection days where they’ll vacuum up your leaves right from the curb. If you miss that, grab some of those heavy-duty paper bags, bag up the leaves, and set them out on your designated pickup day. It’s an easy way to stay on top of it.

Get Your Paper Bags: Paper Lawn and Refuse Bags for Home and Garden (10 Count), Large

3. HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is about to work hard this winter, so give it some love now. Start by clearing away any debris, weeds, or overgrown shrubs around the unit. Good airflow is key to making your system run efficiently and last longer.

Fall is the perfect time for your seasonal HVAC service. Your system should be checked twice a year—spring and fall—to ensure it’s ready to switch gears between cooling and heating. And don’t forget to replace your air filters regularly.

Update Your Thermostat: Honeywell Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, White

Order More Air Filters: Filtrete Air Filter - Premium Allergen, Bacteria & Virus Filter

4. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety first! Take a few minutes to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the batteries haven’t been changed in a while, swap them out. If they’re more than 10 years old, it’s time for new ones.
Consider upgrading to models with a 10-year sealed battery—no need to change batteries constantly. Just make sure you mark the installation date on the side with the little sticker that comes with it, so you know when to replace the whole unit.

Hardwired: Kidde Hardwired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, 10-Year Battery Backup

Battery Only: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, 10-Year Battery Powered

5. Seal Up Cracks & Prevent Water Intrusion

Walk around your house and inspect the exterior—pay special attention to the foundation, siding, windows, and doors. Look for any cracks or gaps, no matter how small. Water can sneak in, and when it freezes, it expands and makes the damage worse. Seal up any cracks now to avoid bigger issues later. Replace any rotting wood, fix peeling or cracked paint, and recaulk around windows and doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Trust me, your future heating bills will thank you for this one!

Get Your Caulk: GE Advanced Silicone Caulk for Window & Door, White, 10 fl oz Cartridge,

6. Chimney & Fireplace Check

If you’ve got a fireplace, now’s the time to make sure it’s ready for those cozy winter nights. Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you use it regularly. Creosote buildup can become a fire hazard, so it’s crucial to take care of this annually. And don’t forget to check that your damper is working properly to prevent cold drafts from sneaking in when the fireplace isn’t in use.

7. Weatherproof Windows & Doors

Drafty windows and doors can lead to significant heat loss, making your heating system work overtime. Install or replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal out drafts and keep the warmth in.
Pro Tip: If you have older, single-pane windows, consider adding storm windows or using a plastic film insulation kit as a temporary solution. It’s an affordable way to keep the heat inside while you figure out longer-term window upgrades.

Weather Stripping Foam Tape for Doors Frames and Windows

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Most people forget about their ceiling fans in the winter, but they can actually help warm your home. Flip the switch on your fan to reverse the blade direction. This creates an updraft, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling into the room, making your heating system more efficient. It’s a small adjustment that can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and energy bills.

9. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces, are at risk of freezing and bursting during winter. Wrapping them with foam insulation or using heat tape can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Pro Tip: For extra peace of mind, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and install insulated faucet covers to prevent freezing. A small investment now could save you a major plumbing headache later.

Outdoor Faucet Covers for Winter Freeze Protection

10. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement and uses a sump pump to prevent flooding, now is the time to test it. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump kicks on and drains the water properly. If your area is prone to heavy rain or snowmelt, this simple test could prevent basement flooding when winter storms roll through.

11. Prepare for Power Outages

Winter storms can knock out power, so it’s smart to be prepared in advance. Check that you have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a backup phone charger. If you live in an area that’s prone to outages, consider investing in a portable generator or a backup battery system to keep essential systems like your heating and refrigerator running.

Etekcity Lantern - Led Flashlight and Lantern for Power Outages

12. Tree Trimming

Take a look at any large trees near your home. If branches are too close to your house or power lines, consider having them trimmed back. Snow and ice buildup can cause limbs to snap, potentially damaging your home or knocking out power. This preventative step can help avoid major storm damage during the winter months.

Fiskars 28" Loppers for Tree Trimming, Heavy Duty, Rust-Resistant

That’s it—those are your must-do’s for fall! If you knock these out now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother winter and fewer surprise repairs

Click here for more Fall Maintenance Tools and Supplies

If you have any questions or need a recommendation for trusted contractors to help with any of these tasks, just reply to this email or give me a call!