Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 20 Must-Do Tasks

As crisp air and falling leaves signal the highly anticipated arrival of autumn, it’s time to use our fall home maintenance checklist to ensure all your acorns are in a row when the colder temperatures hit. A thorough home maintenance plan is essential to prepare for the cooler months ahead, but it’s also important to organize your list of local home service pros to hire to help with prep tasks.

1. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are crucial for year-round safety, so be sure to include them in your seasonal and monthly home maintenance checklists. If you need help replacing your essential alarms or any other maintenance issues, consider hiring a local handyperson to tackle these tasks for you.

Test Your Alarms

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once per month. Make this task a priority on your fall home maintenance checklist, especially if it’s been months or longer since it was last checked.

Replace Batteries 

Per the NFPA, you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors once per year. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to last up to 10 years. However, if you hear the alarm chirping, the battery is low and you need to replace it.

Verify Installation Locations 

Ensure you have enough smoke alarms installed throughout your home. The NFPA recommends installing smoke detectors in the following locations:

• Inside every bedroom

• Outside every sleeping area

• On every level of the home

• In the living room or den

• Near stairways on upper levels

2. Get a Furnace Inspection

The last thing you want is for your heat to fail on a chilly night. Or to see your energy bills skyrocket due to compromised efficiency. Whether you have a furnace or an HVAC system, it should be inspected and serviced yearly by a local HVAC technician. 

• Schedule an inspection and tune-up: Contact a professional HVAC technician for a system inspection and tune-up. On top of addressing potential inefficiencies and catching small issues before they get worse, technicians can also detect carbon monoxide leaks, which can be extremely dangerous or even fatal.

• Perform regular maintenance: After a professional services your furnace, keep up with HVAC maintenance by cleaning vents and replacing air filters at least every three months.

3. Inspect the Fireplace and Clean the Chimney

Fireplaces are a source of warmth and coziness as temperatures drop, but built-up soot and creosote can create a serious fire hazard if they’re not kept in check. The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning your chimney at least once per year. 

• Monitor soot buildup: The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises monitoring the soot buildup inside the fireplace. The chimney needs cleaning if there is a buildup of soot about ⅛ inch thick.

• Hire a professional: Hire a professional chimney cleaner to perform a full fireplace inspection and annual chimney cleaning.

4. Make Sure Your Humidifier Runs Smoothly

Dry air can make it harder to breathe, stay comfortable, and keep your houseplants happy during autumn and winter. If you rely on a humidifier during the colder seasons, be sure to include these tasks on your fall home maintenance checklist:

• Clean your humidifier: Cleaning your humidifier will keep it running efficiently and prevent mold or mildew buildup. 

• Change the filter: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on changing your humidifier filter. Your humidifier filter should be changed once per year, but this timeline can vary based on the model and how frequently you use it.

5. Clean Your Dryer Duct and Filter

Autumn’s dry air means a greater risk of static electricity and fires, so it’s extremely important to make sure your dryer duct and filter are clear of lint and buildup. If you haven’t done it in the past year, have pets, or use your dryer often, you may need to clean them more frequently.

If you observe any of the following warning signs, enlist the help of a professional:

• Clothes take longer to dry

• Dryer feels hot to the touch after a cycle

• Your laundry room becomes excessively hot 

• Dryer emits a burning smell

• Inconsistent airflow from the exhaust vent

• Excessive lint accumulates in the lint trap 

• Debris is found outside the dryer vent

6. Inspect the Roof

A DIY roof inspection should be at the top of your outdoor fall home maintenance checklist. This task will help you identify potential issues before winter weather exacerbates any damage.

• Check for common signs of damage: Look for missing, broken, or curling shingles, dark spots, drooping or sagging areas, and mold or algae growth.

• Prioritize safety: Climbing a ladder can be risky, so if you’re not comfortable doing the inspection yourself, it’s wise to hire a professional roof contractor.

• Pro roof inspection: For personal safety and the longevity of your roof, do not attempt roof repairs on your own unless you have the proper expertise. Contact a local roofing contractor to ensure your roof is properly repaired.

7. Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can’t function properly, allowing water, debris, dirt, and mildew to seep into your roof and cause issues with your home's foundation. Well-maintained gutters help prevent roof damage, protect the foundation, and deter critters. 

• Clean gutters regularly: You should clean your gutters once or twice per year to prevent damage and decay. If you have trees near your home, more frequent cleaning may be necessary due to the build-up of leaf debris and pine needles.

• Consider hiring a pro: If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of climbing a ladder to clean your gutters, hiring a professional is a safe alternative. Gutter cleaning costs between $120 to $230.

8. Repair Driveway and Sidewalks

If your driveway or sidewalks have cracks or damage, you should repair them before winter arrives. Cold temperatures and freezing water can cause the cracks to worsen. 

• Inspect for damage: Look for cracks or damage on your driveway and sidewalks.

• Handle DIY-friendly repairs: Small, limited cracks can be fixed by DIY-savvy homeowners with store-bought repair kits.

• Call a pro: For extensive damage or resurfacing needs, hire a local driveway repair professional.

9. Check the Foundation for Damage

As fall ushers in a new season, it's essential to inspect your home's foundation. Regular foundation checks every three to six months can help you catch issues before they escalate into severe problems. These are the main signs of foundation damage to look for:

• Large cracks on foundation walls

• Uneven or sinking structure

• Bowing walls

• Bouncing floors

• Cracks in interior walls

• Cracks in tiles or floors

If you observe any of these signs, it's crucial to hire a foundation repair specialist. They can provide a detailed inspection report and recommend the necessary repair steps to restore your home’s foundation.

10. Inspect, Clean, and Seal Your Deck

Before the colder months set in, inspect your deck for cracks or damage. Be sure to promptly repair or replace any compromised areas to prevent snow, rain, and cold temperatures from causing more severe issues before spring’s thaw. 

• Repair any damage: Repair or replace any damaged boards, railings, or steps to prevent further deterioration from fall and winter weather.

• Clean and seal your deck: If your deck is in good shape, you can clean and seal your deck over a weekend. Applying a sealant every year or two protects your deck from snow, rain, and harsh UV rays, helping to keep it in tip-top shape.

11. Prepare Your Lawn

Aside from keeping up with the never-ending leaves, there are a few other ways to show your lawn extra love in preparation for winter. 

• Consider overseeding: Fall is the ideal time to overseed your lawn to make it thicker and healthier in the spring.

• Fertilize: Apply a fall fertilizer to nourish your lawn and prepare it for winter.

• Plant: Fall is an excellent time to plant many spring-flowering bulbs, shrubs, and trees for a beautiful garden come spring.

12. Winterize Exterior Faucets

You’ll want to winterize exterior faucets before the temperatures dip below freezing. Otherwise, water will freeze in the faucets and can cause the pipe or faucet to burst, leading to expensive repairs. Prevent winter damage to your exterior faucets with these steps:

• Disconnect hoses: Remove garden hoses and drain any remaining water before storing them.

• Turn off spigots: Shut off the outdoor spigot and drain excess water.

• Insulate: Use an outdoor faucet cover to protect against freezing temperatures.

13. Winterize the Sprinkler System

If you live in a cold climate, winterizing your sprinkler system is essential. Proper winterization will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, saving you from costly repairs. For large yards with multiple zones, consider hiring a local irrigation service to ensure proper winterization.

• Disconnect the water line or shut-off valve

• Disconnect sprinkler timer

• Drain the water from sprinklers

• Blow out sprinklers

• Insulate outdoor spigots and faucets

14. Seal Air Leaks and Drafty Spots

 Drafty windows and doors can make it harder to heat your home, raising your energy bills and compromising your comfort. 

• Check weatherstripping: Inspect the weatherstripping around your windows and doors. Replace any torn, ripped, or gapped sections.

• Consider wrapping your windows: Purchase a window wrapping kit to cover drafty windows and keep energy costs lower.

15. Flush and Drain the Water Heater

Flushing and draining your water heater will eliminate sediment buildup that can lead to clogs and inefficiencies in the system. Following these water heater maintenance steps will help it operate efficiently and prolong its lifespan:

• Shut off power and water: Ensure the power and water systems are turned off and let the water cool to avoid injuries. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct procedure.

• Consider professional help: If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, consider hiring a plumber to handle it for you.

16. Winterize Your Garage

Winterizing your garage ensures it can handle cold temperatures and harsh weather. You can handle most of these tasks yourself, but for more complex projects like sealing the garage floor, consider hiring a professional.

• Insulate garage door and walls: Prevent heat loss and keep the garage warmer.

• Seal up air leaks: Check and seal any gaps to keep cold air out.

• Insulate pipes: Protect pipes from freezing and bursting.

• Protect chemicals and liquids: Store them in a temperature-controlled environment.

• Waterproof garage floor: Avoid moisture damage and reduce slip hazards.

• Install a heater: Add a heater to maintain a comfortable temperature.

17. Clean and Put Away Lawn Equipment

Prepare your lawn equipment for storage to ensure it's ready for the spring season. By taking these steps, you'll extend the life of your equipment and ensure it's ready for use when spring arrives:

• Clean equipment: Remove lawn clippings and debris to prevent rust and moisture buildup.

• Perform maintenance: Sharpen blades, replace filters, and change the oil to keep the equipment in good condition.

• Disconnect batteries: Prevent corrosion by disconnecting and storing batteries properly.

18. Test and Prepare Winter Equipment

Before the first heavy snowfall, it’s crucial to ensure your snow removal equipment is in peak condition. Autumn’s crisp (but not too cold) temperatures are the perfect time to:

• Inspect your equipment: Check the bolts, tires, chains, skid shoes, and auger on your snowblower to ensure everything is functioning properly.

• Fuel up: Make sure your equipment is fueled properly so you’re prepared when the snow hits.

19. Stock Up on Fall and Winter Supplies

As fall approaches, ensure you have the necessary supplies before the cold weather hits. Stocking up ahead of time can be crucial for safety—plus, it will save you the hassle of last-minute shopping trips when you’d much rather stay inside.

• Rakes and leaf bags: Make sure you have a sturdy rake and plenty of yard waste bags for disposing of dead leaves and debris.

• Shovels: Verify that your snow shovels are in good shape and purchase additional ones if needed.

• Firestarters and firewood: Ensure you have enough firewood and firestarters to stay warm throughout the season.

• Deicer: Keep walkways and driveways safe by addressing ice buildup with salt or ice melt. If you’re considering using sand versus salt for snow, note that sand can only provide traction rather than melting the snow or ice.

• Fuel: Stock up on the necessary fuel for machinery, heating systems, or back-up generators.

• Emergency supplies: Collect items like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.

20. Declutter and Deep Clean Your Home

Why reserve the deepest and most thorough cleanings for spring? Since you spend more time indoors, fall is the perfect time to declutter and deep clean your home. 

• Declutter: Reducing household clutter makes it easier and less time-consuming to keep your space tidy.

• Deep clean: Take advantage of the mild fall weather to deep clean your home and leave your windows open to bring in the fresh air.

• Decorate: Once your home is clean and clutter-free, add decorative touches to make your home festive for the fall season.