Your fall home maintenance checklist: Get ready before winter hits

When the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, it’s your cue to start prepping your home for winter. A few smart steps in fall can prevent leaks, breakdowns, and expensive surprises once the snow starts to fly. Here’s a complete fall home maintenance checklist, split into what to tackle indoors and outdoors, to keep your home cozy, efficient, and ready for the cold.

Indoor fall maintenance checklist

Fall is the perfect time to make your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient. Here’s what to focus on inside before winter settles in:

1. Service your heating system

Before the temperature drops, make sure your heating system is in top shape.

• Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning for your furnace or boiler.
• Replace or clean air filters regularly through the winter. Depending on the type of filter you use this may have to be done every 1 to 3 months. 
• Test your thermostat and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart model for energy savings.
• If you use baseboard heaters or radiators, vacuum dust and check for proper operation.

2. Seal up drafts and insulate

Drafty windows and doors can drive up heating bills and make your home uncomfortable.

• Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Use caulk to seal small cracks or gaps.
• Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, or basements if needed.
• Check for cold air around outlets, vents, and light fixtures (these spots are often overlooked.)

3. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

With fireplaces and furnaces running, now’s the time to make sure your alarms are working.

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replace batteries or switch to 10-year sealed models.
• Go over your fire response plan and update where necessary. 
• Check fire extinguishers and replace if needed. 

4. Reverse and clean ceiling fans

Flip your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on low speed. This pushes warm air down and improves heating efficiency. 

While you’re at it, dust the blades and light fixtures.

5. Declutter and get organized

Fall is a great time for a mini reset before the holidays.

• Clear out closets, storage areas, and pantries.
• Donate or recycle what you don’t need.
• Stock up on essentials like blankets, batteries, and winter supplies.

6. Put together a winter emergency kit

Winter storms can cause power outages that last for hours (or even days) so it’s smart to have an emergency pack ready just in case. Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot and check it before the cold sets in.

Here’s what to include:

• Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns (and extra batteries)
• A fully charged power bank for phones
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• Blankets, warm clothing, and gloves
• A first aid kit and any essential medications
• A manual can opener
• A small supply of cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)
• A battery-powered radio for weather updates (Don’t have one? Swing by and grab a Kool Shower Radio)
• Extra pet food and supplies if you have animals

If you rely on an electric heat source, consider keeping a backup plan, like a propane heater rated for indoor use or backup generator for a small heater, or knowing where you could go to stay warm if the outage lasts longer than expected.

Outdoor fall maintenance checklist

Outside maintenance might not be glamorous, but it’s essential for protecting your home from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

1. Inspect and clean gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to leaks, ice dams, and water damage.

• Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure water flows away from your foundation.
• Repair any loose or sagging sections and consider adding gutter guards.

2. Check your roof and chimney

Snow and ice can magnify small roofing problems.

• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
• Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps.
• If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection to remove creosote buildup.

3. Prep and store outdoor hoses and water features

Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze inside, leading to cracks or burst pipes.

• Drain all garden hoses completely and store them indoors or in a shed.
• Shut off outdoor faucets and use insulated faucet covers to protect them.
• If you have an irrigation system, drain and blow out the lines to prevent freezing damage.

4. Winterize summer tools and equipment

Give your lawn and garden tools a little attention before packing them away.

• Run your lawn mower until the fuel tank is empty, or add a stabilizer to prevent gumming.
• Clean grass and dirt off mower blades, trimmers, and garden tools to prevent rust.
• Change the oil in gas-powered tools before storage.
• Sharpen blades and lubricate moving parts so they’re ready to go next spring.

5. Protect plants, shrubs and trees

Some plants need extra protection from harsh winds, snow, and frost.

• Cover tender shrubs like boxwoods, hydrangeas, and young evergreens with burlap or plant covers.
• Wait until late fall (after a few hard frosts) to wrap them, so they can acclimate to cooler temps first.
• Use stakes or frames to keep the burlap off the foliage, preventing mold and broken branches.
• Apply mulch around the base of trees and perennials to insulate roots and retain moisture.
• Create barriers with chicken wire or mesh fencing around vulnerable shrubs or garden beds to keep rabbits, deer, and other critters from nibbling through the winter. Secure it firmly to the ground so animals can’t burrow underneath.

6. Prep your yard and garden

Get your outdoor spaces ready to rest for the season.

• Rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent mold and lawn damage. You can leave a thin layer of leaves on your gardens to over winter insulate plants, retain moisture, enrich the soil, and provide shelter for beneficial insects.
• Cut back perennials and clean out garden beds.
• Aerate and fertilize your lawn for stronger spring growth.
• Store garden tools and supplies in a dry place.

7. Store or cover outdoor furniture

Cold and moisture can ruin outdoor furniture and décor.

• Clean and dry patio furniture before storing it indoors or under covers.
• Bring in cushions and fabrics to prevent mildew.
• Wipe down and store outdoor décor or planters.

8. Inspect driveways, walkways, and railings

Small cracks and wobbly handrails can become hazards in icy weather.

• Repair cracks in concrete or asphalt before they expand with frost.
• Check steps and railings for sturdiness.
• Sweep and clear debris to prevent slips and falls.

9. Get your garage and tools winter-ready

Make sure everything you’ll need for winter is within easy reach.

• Pull out shovels, snow blowers, and ice melt.
• Test your snow blower and top up oil or gas.
• Keep salt or sand near walkways for icy days.
• Organize storage shelves to make room for winter gear.

10. Check exterior paint and seals

Moisture and freezing temperatures can cause peeling and cracking.

• Touch up paint and seal any exposed wood or trim.
• Inspect caulking around windows and doors.
• Check siding for damage and repair as needed.

Keep your home cozy this winter with our fall home maintenance checklist

Fall home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tackle a few tasks each weekend and you’ll have your home winter-ready before the first snowflake falls. A little effort now goes a long way toward a warm, worry-free season ahead.

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