Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Home for the Cooler Months

As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall is the perfect season to tackle essential maintenance tasks that will keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for winter. In this guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist to help you cover everything from HVAC system checks to important outdoor preparations.

1. HVAC System Maintenance

Before the cold weather sets in, it's essential to ensure your heating system is running efficiently. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and take these steps to prepare your system for fall:

• Replace air filters to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.
• Test your thermostat to ensure it's working properly.
• Clean and inspect vents for dust and blockages.
• Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up if necessary.

2. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Fall means falling leaves, which can clog your gutters and lead to water damage. Take the time to clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters.
• Check downspouts to ensure water is being directed away from the foundation.
• Consider installing gutter guards to minimize future clogging.

3. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts around windows and doors can cause your heating bills to spike during the colder months. Ensure your home is properly sealed to improve energy efficiency:

• Check for gaps or drafts around windows and doors.
• Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal any openings.
• Inspect window screens and replace any that are damaged.

4. Roof and Chimney Inspection

Fall is the perfect time to inspect your roof and chimney for any damage before winter snow arrives. Here’s what to look for:

• Check for missing, damaged, or loose shingles.
• Inspect the chimney for cracks or deterioration.
• Clear away any debris, such as leaves or branches, from the roof.
• Schedule a professional chimney cleaning if you use a fireplace.

5. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Protect your pipes from freezing by winterizing your outdoor plumbing. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage, so be sure to take these steps:

• Drain and disconnect garden hoses.
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets.
• Winterize your sprinkler system by draining any remaining water.

6. Prepare Your Yard and Garden

Fall yard maintenance helps ensure that your lawn and garden are ready for spring. Here's what to include in your checklist:

• Rake leaves and remove debris from the lawn.
• Prune trees and shrubs to prevent branches from falling during winter storms.
• Cover or bring in outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With the increased use of heating systems in the colder months, it's crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working:

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replace batteries if necessary.
• Ensure detectors are placed in key areas, including bedrooms and hallways.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared for Fall with Evergreen Home

Fall is the ideal time to take care of essential home maintenance tasks. With this comprehensive checklist, you’ll ensure your home is ready for the cooler months ahead. Use the Evergreen Home app to schedule and track these tasks, so you never miss an important step in keeping your home in top shape. Download Evergreen Home today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is prepared for every season!