Fall is one of my favorite times of year. The temperatures start dropping, the leaves begin changing, and suddenly I have a very strong desire to drink something warm while wearing an oversized sweater.
Unfortunately, fall is also the time of year when our houses start reminding us that they have needs.
Before winter arrives with freezing temperatures, ice, wind, and whatever else it has planned, there are a few fall maintenance tasks you really shouldn’t ignore.
I’m not talking about turning your home into a weekend-long construction project. A little preventive maintenance now can help you avoid some very expensive headaches later.
And as someone who would much rather spend money on something fun than on an emergency home repair, I’m all for prevention.
Clean Your Gutters
Let’s start with one of the least glamorous jobs: the gutters.
I know. Exciting stuff.
But gutters have an important job. They move rainwater away from your home’s roof, siding, foundation, and other areas where you don’t want water collecting.
As leaves begin falling, gutters can fill up surprisingly quickly. If they’re clogged, water may overflow or back up, potentially contributing to roof, siding, or foundation problems.
Give your gutters a thorough cleaning in the fall, and check the downspouts to make sure water can flow freely.
If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, don’t risk it. Hire someone to do the job.
No gutter is worth a trip to the emergency room.
Check Your Roof
Fall is a good time to look over your roof before winter weather arrives.
From the ground, look for missing, cracked, or damaged shingles. Pay attention to areas around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations.
You don’t need to climb onto your roof to inspect it. In fact, unless you know what you’re doing and have the appropriate safety equipment, you shouldn’t.
If you notice something that looks suspicious, have a qualified roofing professional take a closer look.
A small roofing problem can become a much larger problem once rain, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures get involved.
Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, fall is the time to make sure everything is ready before you start using it regularly.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended for your particular system. Look for obvious signs of damage around the fireplace, chimney, and chimney cap.
Creosote buildup in chimneys can contribute to dangerous chimney fires, which is one reason regular inspection and cleaning are so important for wood-burning fireplaces.
And while we’re talking about fireplaces, make sure your family knows basic fireplace safety before that first cozy fire of the season.
Because “cozy evening by the fire” is wonderful.
“Fire department arrives unexpectedly” is considerably less charming.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
This is one of those tasks that takes only a few minutes but can be incredibly important.
Test every smoke alarm in your home and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer. If an alarm is old or malfunctioning, replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t forget about carbon monoxide alarms.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, and properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors are an important part of home safety.
Make sure everyone in your household knows what the alarms sound like and what to do if one goes off.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is an especially important time to think about carbon monoxide safety because homes begin using furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances more frequently.
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed in appropriate locations according to local safety guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions. Test them regularly and replace batteries or units when needed.
Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm.
If it sounds, leave the home and call 911 or your local emergency service from outside. Don’t assume it’s a false alarm.
Inspect Doors and Windows
Walk around your home and check doors and windows for obvious drafts, damaged weatherstripping, or gaps.
A little air leakage may not seem like a big deal, but those small gaps can make your home less comfortable and may contribute to higher heating costs.
Replace damaged weatherstripping or caulk appropriate exterior gaps as needed.
This is also a good opportunity to make sure windows open and close properly and that locks are functioning.
Your windows have one job in winter: letting you look at the cold weather without actually experiencing it inside your living room.
Let’s help them do their job.
Check Your Plumbing
Cold weather and plumbing problems are a combination nobody wants.
Before temperatures drop, inspect exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas such as garages, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
Look for leaks, corrosion, or damaged insulation.
If you live somewhere that experiences freezing temperatures, know which pipes are most vulnerable and take appropriate steps to protect them.
It’s also smart to know where your main water shutoff valve is located before you need it.
Because the middle of a plumbing emergency is not the ideal time to begin searching Google for “where is my water shutoff?”
Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, fall is a good time to make sure it’s working properly.
A sump pump can be especially important during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt because it helps move water away from your home’s foundation.
Test the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the discharge line is clear.
If your sump pump has a battery backup, check that system as well.
You don’t want to discover that your sump pump isn’t working during the exact storm when you need it most.
Inspect Your Foundation
Take a walk around the outside of your house and look at the foundation.
You’re looking for obvious cracks, areas where water appears to collect, damaged grading, or other changes that weren’t there previously.
Not every crack means there’s a serious structural problem. Homes naturally move and settle over time.
But if you notice significant cracks, expanding cracks, water intrusion, or other concerning changes, have them evaluated by an appropriate professional.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Here’s a fall maintenance task that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Your dryer vent should be kept clear of lint and debris. Lint buildup can restrict airflow and increase the risk of a dryer fire.
Clean the lint filter after every load, but don’t stop there. Periodically inspect and clean the dryer vent system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If the dryer takes much longer than usual to dry clothes, the dryer or vent may need attention.
This is one of those jobs where five minutes of prevention can be worth considerably more than the alternative.
Inspect Your Attic
Take a look in the attic before winter arrives.
You’re looking for signs of moisture, leaks, pests, damaged insulation, or anything else that looks unusual.
Check around roof penetrations and areas where plumbing or HVAC equipment may be present.
Proper insulation and ventilation can also play an important role in how efficiently your home handles temperature changes.
If you’re unsure whether your attic insulation or ventilation is adequate, a qualified professional can evaluate it.
Check Your Outdoor Lighting
The days are getting shorter, which means you’re going to be spending more time walking around outside after dark.
Check exterior lights around entrances, walkways, garages, decks, and other areas you use regularly.
Replace burned-out bulbs and make sure fixtures are secure and functioning properly.
If you have motion-sensor or automatic lighting, test those systems as well.
A well-lit walkway is not only convenient—it can also make getting around your property safer.
Inspect Trees Near Your Home
Fall is a great time to take a look at the trees around your property.
Look for dead or damaged branches, especially branches hanging over your roof, driveway, power lines, or other structures.
Don’t attempt to remove large or dangerous branches yourself. Tree work can be extremely hazardous, particularly near power lines.
If a tree needs significant pruning or removal, hire a qualified professional.
A beautiful old tree is wonderful.
A beautiful old tree sitting on top of your car is considerably less wonderful.
Check Your Home Insurance Information
This isn’t technically a repair, but it’s an important part of taking care of your home.
Take a few minutes to review your homeowners insurance policy and make sure you understand your coverage.
It’s also a good idea to keep an updated home inventory, particularly for valuable belongings.
You don’t want to be trying to remember what was in your house after something goes wrong.
Take photos and keep important documentation somewhere safe.
Don’t Forget the Small Repairs
Finally, walk around your home and make a list of all those tiny things you’ve been meaning to fix.
The loose doorknob.
The dripping faucet.
The cabinet hinge that has been hanging on for dear life.
The cracked caulk around the tub.
The screen door that doesn’t quite close.
Fall is a great time to knock out these little jobs before winter arrives.
None of them may seem particularly urgent, but small maintenance problems have a funny way of becoming much more annoying when you ignore them for six months.
Final Thoughts
Fall is the perfect time to give your home a little attention before winter arrives. You don’t have to complete every maintenance project in a single weekend, and you certainly don’t need to become a professional handyman overnight. Start with the tasks that protect your home from water, cold temperatures, fire, and other seasonal problems. Clean the gutters, inspect the roof, check your heating system, test your alarms, look for leaks, protect vulnerable plumbing, and take care of those small repairs you’ve been putting off. A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid bigger—and often much more expensive—problems later. Your future self, your wallet, and possibly your plumber will thank you.
