Published November 3, 2021
14 Days of Simple Fall Maintenance
Now that we’re starting to see the fall arrive, there’s a laundry list of home maintenance projects that need to be completed. If you want to move from the fall into winter with a home that’s prepared for the cooler weather, these maintenance tasks are essential.
We’re always fans of starting small and tackling the jobs as we have time. This guide gives you 14 fall maintenance tips that you can accomplish before you leave for work each day or once you’re home for the evening. Group 3-5 together on weekend days and check them off even faster!
Check Your Smoke Detectors- The batteries in your smoke detectors could save your life. Check them and check them often. Seasonal changes are a great reminder!
Change Your Air Filter- Your air filter can make your HVAC system work overtime. Change it often to lower heating and cooling costs and keep your home fresher.
Check Your Hot Water Heater Drip Pan- Overflowing drip pans can cause massive problems. Check the overflow pan for your hot water heater each season.
Cover or Bring Inside any Outdoor Furniture- As much as we hate to say goodbye to outdoor living, it’s time to start transitioning in the outdoor furniture. Use high quality covers to protect your expensive outdoor furniture from the elements. If you’re putting things away, consider deep cleaning them beforehand!
Check for Airtight Seals Around Windows/Doors- Time and harsh weather conditions can degrade your seals around doors and windows. Now is the time to check for these and repair them before it’s too chilly.
Empty Water Hoses and Sprinklers for the Season- Near the end of the fall and before the first freeze, it’s a good idea to empty and winterize your hoses and sprinklers. This will mean that they won’t burst when there’s a freeze.
Clear Gutters- This might feel like a never-ending job during the season. Regular gutter maintenance will protect your gutters, your roof, and your home during the fall and winter. Start now by clearing out any summer debris and check regularly as the leaves fall.
Have Your Roof Checked- If you’re able to safely check, take a look yourself. Otherwise, bring in a professional to check your roof for damage from any summer storms or wind damage. Now is a great time to schedule any repairs and prevent further damage. (Some of these may even be covered by homeowners insurance!)
Set Up Humidifiers- If you find that the fall and winter wreak havoc on your skin or that you have dry air related nosebleeds, now is a great time to set up humidifiers in your home. These can keep you comfortable as heat and fireplaces rob the natural moisture from the air.
Check Pipes for Insulation- If you had any frozen pipes in the winter last year, now is a great time to have them insulated. This measure of protection can safeguard against burst pipes in the future.
Prune Shrubbery- Your shrubs and trees could use a quick pruning during the fall. This cuts back any old growth and encourages them to grow healthily in upcoming seasons.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned- Hire someone to ensure that any fireplaces are prepared for cozy fall fires. This step will ensure safety so that you can enjoy gathering when it’s cool.
Change Window Screens for Cool Weather- If you have screens for your windows that can switch for solid panes instead, now is a great time to do it! This will help save tons on your utility bills in the winter months
Rake Leaves- This one is unavoidable and ongoing. Even if your home has minimal trees, it’s still possible that you’ll inherit leaves from your neighbors. Regular raking will keep your grass happy, your yard looking clean, and saves you time in the long-run.
