Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

86 tasks | Updated 17d ago

Before the first frost, prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Fall maintenance focuses on heating systems, weatherproofing, and protecting outdoor features from winter damage.

HVAC & Climate Control

Prepare your heating system before the first cold snap with filter changes and system checks.

Check HVAC FilterEASY15 min Clean HVAC Condensate DrainEASY15 min Clean HVAC Vents and RegistersEASY30 min Check Thermostat CalibrationEASY10 min Replace HVAC Thermostat BatteriesEASY5 min Clean Return Air GrillesEASY15 min Winterize HVAC SystemEASY30 min

Exterior & Roofing

Inspect and seal your home's exterior before winter weather arrives.

Check WeatherstrippingEASY20 min Caulk Windows and DoorsEASY45 min Clean and Lubricate Exterior Door HardwareEASY15 min Check Attic for Roof LeaksEASY15 min Clean GuttersMODERATE60 min Clean Roof Valleys and DebrisMODERATE30 min Check Roof VentilationMODERATE20 min Clean and Inspect Chimney CapMODERATE20 min Inspect Attic Ventilation for Ice Dam PreventionMODERATE30 min Replace Weatherstripping on Exterior DoorsMODERATE45 min Replace Garage Door Weather SealMODERATE30 min Install or Inspect Gutter GuardsHARD120 min

Plumbing & Water

Winterize outdoor faucets and check water heater performance before heavy use.

Check Sump PumpEASY10 min Inspect Exposed Pipes for LeaksEASY20 min Insulate Pipes for WinterEASY45 min Clean Drain Stoppers and P-TrapsEASY20 min Clean Garbage DisposalEASY10 min Replace Water Filter CartridgeEASY15 min Test All Bathroom Faucets and DrainsEASY15 min Flush Rarely Used DrainsEASY10 min Flush Water HeaterMODERATE30 min Descale Tankless Water HeaterMODERATE60 min Service Water SoftenerMODERATE30 min Clean Well Pump Pressure TankMODERATE20 min Clean Septic System Outlet FilterMODERATE15 min Flush and Clean Floor DrainsMODERATE20 min

Landscaping & Yard

Clear leaves, prepare the lawn for dormancy, and protect tender plants.

Reverse Ceiling Fan DirectionEASY5 min Winterize Outdoor FaucetsEASY20 min Fall Home Walk-ThroughEASY45 min Store or Cover Outdoor FurnitureEASY30 min Program Thermostat for Season ChangeEASY10 min Drain and Winterize Outdoor Fountain or Water FeatureEASY30 min Clean Pool FilterEASY30 min Fertilize LawnEASY30 min Inspect and Clean Outdoor DrainsEASY20 min Test and Adjust Sprinkler TimerEASY15 min Test Pool Water ChemistryEASY15 min Clean and Store Storm Windows and ScreensMODERATE60 min Prepare Snowblower for WinterMODERATE30 min Winterize SprinklersMODERATE45 min Aerate LawnMODERATE60 min Clean and Service Pool PumpMODERATE30 min Apply Lawn Weed ControlMODERATE30 min Seal Crawl Space Vents for WinterMODERATE20 min

Appliances

Service your furnace, clean dryer vents, and check the water heater.

Clean Range Hood FilterEASY15 min Clean Washing MachineEASY15 min Clean Oven and StovetopEASY45 min Clean Refrigerator Drip PanEASY15 min Clean Microwave InteriorEASY10 min Clean and Inspect Garbage Disposal Splash GuardEASY10 min Check Dishwasher Spray ArmsEASY15 min Check Clothes Dryer Exhaust DurationEASY5 min Inspect and Clean DehumidifierEASY15 min

Electrical

Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and update lighting for shorter days.

Test GFCI OutletsEASY10 min

General & Interior

Seal drafts, check insulation, and prepare your home for holiday guests.

Check for Bathroom MoldEASY15 min Check Interior Windows for Seal FailureEASY15 min Inspect Under-Sink AreasEASY10 min Check Basement for MoistureEASY15 min Test Smoke DetectorsEASY15 min Test Carbon Monoxide DetectorsEASY10 min Check Dryer Lint Trap SealEASY5 min Deep Clean DishwasherEASY15 min Clean Window Tracks and SillsEASY30 min Clean and Descale ShowerheadsEASY10 min Clean Ceiling Fan BladesEASY15 min Clean and Sanitize Trash CansEASY15 min Clean Drains with Enzyme CleanerEASY10 min Vacuum and Clean HVAC Vent CoversEASY30 min Trim Vegetation Away from HouseEASY30 min Clean Up Yard Debris and Standing WaterEASY30 min Inspect Pool Fence and GateEASY15 min Check Attic InsulationMODERATE30 min Deep Clean KitchenMODERATE120 min Deep Clean BathroomsMODERATE60 min Wash Windows Interior and ExteriorMODERATE90 min Seal Entry Points Against Mice and RodentsMODERATE45 min Apply Pest Barrier Around FoundationMODERATE30 min Clean and Treat Mold in Bathroom GroutMODERATE45 min Inspect Fireplace and ChimneyPRO60 min