12 Must-Do Fall Home Maintenance Tasks You Can’t Skip

Fall home maintenance tasks are important for keeping your house safe and comfortable. Here are 12 things to do before the cold weather sets in.

Seasons go by so quickly. Before you know it, summer is over, and fall is creeping in. It’s time for preparing your home for fall. Here are some of the most important fall home maintenance tips.

Why Home Maintenance is Important

How Often Should You Do Home Maintenance Tasks?

Home maintenance should be ongoing, but certain things must be done routinely. I find the easiest way to keep track and ensure these important things are done is to do them seasonally.

Here are 12 fall home maintenance tasks to prepare your home for colder weather.

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1. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is important as leaves and debris can clog them, causing water to overflow and damage your house. Cleaning them in the fall helps prevent leaks and keeps water away from your home’s foundation.

Wear gloves to scoop out leaves and debris and dump them into a trash bag. You could also place a trash can below where you are, making it easy to drop the debris right in so there is no mess on the ground to clean up.

Once your gutters are free of debris, flush them with water from your garden hose to make sure there are no blockages or leaks that need repaired.

2. Change the Furnace Filter

Don’t forget to change your furnace filter and give it a test. A clean filter helps your heating system work well and keeps the air in your home clean. It’s easy to find the old filter, remove it, and install a new one.

Test your furnace before cold weather arrives so you won’t have to rush to find a repair person if there is a problem.

Set a reminder on your phone for the next filter change. You can also buy a smart thermostat that will alert you to change the filter, making it easy to remember.

3. Clean and Check Your Humidifier

Cleaning and checking your humidifier is a task NOT to leave off your fall maintenance list. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps you breathe easier.

• First, turn it off and unplug it.
• Take out the water tank and clean it with soapy water.
• Wipe everything down.
• Put it back together, then turn it on to ensure it works properly.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your humidifier so you don’t void any warranties you may have.

4. Inspect the Fireplace and Chimney

Before using your fireplace, it’s important to inspect it and the chimney to ensure they are working properly. Look for any cracks or damage. Also, check if the chimney is clear of debris like leaves and birds’ nests.

Decide if it is time to have it professionally cleaned. If you’re unsure, get a professional to help.

5. Drain Water Heater

Draining your water heater is a must. Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom, making it less efficient.

• First, turn off the water heater and let it cool down.
• Attach a hose to the drain valve and let the water out into a safe place. You can drain it into a utility sink nearby or into the yard.
• Remember to turn it back on after you’re done.

Anyone can do this home maintenance task, but if you aren’t confident about working on your water heater, call a professional to come and take a look.

6. Check Weatherstripping and Recaulk as Needed

Weatherstripping helps create a tight seal around doors and windows, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Check the weatherstripping and add new caulk where needed to keep your energy bill under control.

7. Inspect Insulation

Ensure your home’s insulation is in good condition, especially in the attic. This helps to prevent heat from escaping, reducing your heating costs and keeping your home comfortably warm.

During the inspection, look for signs of damage, deterioration, or gaps in the insulation, as these can lead to drafts and energy waste.

If you find any issues, consider adding more insulation to bolster your home’s thermal resistance so you’re adequately prepared for the winter chill.

8. Check Smoke Detectors

We check our smoke detectors twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Nothing is worse than that incessant beeping when the battery dies.

Test the smoke detector by pressing the test button, which should create a loud, piercing noise. If it doesn’t, it is time to replace the batteries or get a new one.

9. Cover Up or Store Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is exposed to changing weather conditions, including rain, wind, and dropping temperatures, leading to damage and wear over time.

Cover your furniture with weather-resistant covers or store it for the season. You will shield it from the elements and prevent moisture from seeping into cushions and frames. Be sure to clean your outdoor furniture before putting it up for the season.

10. Remove Hoses and Turn off Spigots

When water freezes inside hoses and pipes, it can cause them to expand and potentially burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs.

Disconnect the outdoor hoses and drain any remaining water. Then, turn off the spigots to cut off the water supply to the outdoor faucets.

For added protection and peace of mind, purchase outdoor spigot covers. They aren’t expensive and will give you double protection during the winter.

11. Seed and Aerate Lawn

Over time, lawns can get compacted soil that limits air, water, and nutrients to the roots. Aeration helps by poking small holes in the soil, letting these important things go deeper for better roots. Seed and aerate your lawn in the fall to ensure a lush green lawn in the spring.

12. Seal Driveway and Walkway Cracks

Sealing cracks in your driveway and walkway will stop water from getting in, freezing, and worsening cracks.

• Clean the cracks by removing dirt and loose debris.
• Fill and smooth the cracks with an outdoor masonry filler.
• Allow them to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Taking care of these fall home maintenance tasks before it gets cold will keep your home safe and comfortable, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind all season long.

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