As the vibrant colors of summer fade into autumn, it’s time for homeowners to turn their attention to fall maintenance. Preparing your home for the colder months will not only protect your investment, but also keep you and your family comfortable and safe throughout winter. From sealing drafts to clearing gutters, fall is the ideal season to address essential tasks before winter weather sets in.
To make sure we didn’t omit anything important, we reached out to DIY expert Beth Allen, a licensed contractor and founder of DIY HIP Chicks, to get her recommendations and insights. Allen takes an enthusiastically proactive approach to home maintenance, also serving as a trusted mentor to countless homeowners across the country. First and foremost, she shared that fall maintenance tends to lean heavily into “leaf management”, but she assured us that there are several critical tasks to undertake in preparation for colder months.
Here’s our comprehensive guide we put together to help homeowners get their properties ready for winter this fall!
17 Home Maintenance Tasks for Fall
- Inspect Your Roof
- Have Your Chimney & Fireplace Inspected
- Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts
- Inspect the Remainder of Your Home’s Exterior Structure
- Seal Windows and Doors
- Inspect Your Heating System
- Service Your Water Heater
- Protect Your Home from Water & Freezing Pipes
- Inspect and Clean Your Dryer Vents
- Test Your Safety Devices
- Prepare Your Lawn, Garden & Outdoors
- Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture
- Prep and Stock Up for Winter Power Outages
- Check Your Attic and Basement Ventilation
- Try Easier Methods for Handling Fallen Leaves
- Declutter and Deep Clean Your Home
- Check on Elderly Parents and Neighbors
Also see these related Home Maintenance articles:
1. Inspect Your Roof
Autumn is the perfect time to check your roof for any signs of wear or damage that could worsen in winter.
Look for missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, and signs of leaks, well in advance of the first winter storm.
- Use a ladder or binoculars to improve what you can see
- Examine the siding for cracks or rot, and repair or seal as needed to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Consider paying for a professional drone inspection, if you have a roof with inaccessible areas, or if you have mounting concerns (age, wear & tear, suspect leaks, etc.)
For DIYers, keep in mind that the FAA does not explicitly classify inspecting your roof with a drone as “recreational use”:
Many people assume that a recreational flight simply means not flying for a business or being compensated. But, that’s not always the case. Compensation, or the lack of it, is not what determines if a flight was recreational or not…
Non-recreational drone flying include things like taking photos to help sell a property or service, roof inspections…
When asking Allen if she had any advice for homeowners walking on their roofs, she adamantly replied:
“Don’t climb on the roof yourself!”
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2. Have Your Chimney & Fireplace Inspected
If you use a fireplace, have it professionally inspected for creosote buildup and ensure the damper works properly to avoid chimney fires. Even infrequent users should have an inspection, as dormant chimneys can accumulate damage from weather (e.g. cracks caused by ice).
A home with an old brick chimney and modern metal roof
A certified chimney sweep will conduct a thorough inspection, including the hearth, flue lining, masonry structure, and overall condition. This type of service can detect hidden dangers like creosote buildup, cracks, blockages, rusted caps, or damaged shrouds caused by summer weather, wildlife, or neglect—even if the fireplace hasn’t been used.
An Important Note to DIYers from Angi.com:
You cannot DIY a chimney inspection because people who inspect chimneys must have national certification.
Also see:
3. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
One of the first tasks on your fall maintenance checklist should be cleaning out your gutters and downspouts. Falling leaves, twigs, and debris can clog your drainage system, leading to water backups and ice dams that may damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
Gutter inspection and cleaning tips:
- Look for rust, cracks, loose brackets, or sagging sections; seal minor gaps with caulk.
- Use gloves and a small scoop to clear gutters by hand, or consider a gutter-cleaning attachment for your hose.
- Check that downspouts are directed at least five feet away from your foundation to prevent water from seeping into your basement.
- Run water from a garden hose through the gutters and downspouts to rinse residue and check for blockages—water should flow freely away from the foundation.
With safety in mind, Allen also recommends hiring a pro when needing to reach any second story gutters.
4. Inspect the Remainder of Your Home’s Exterior Structure
Allen reminds homeowners to check your siding, especially utility pipe and wire access points. You’ll need to repair cracks and gaps where moisture and critters could sneak in. She adds:
“Caulk, steel wool, and spray foam are your best defenses. Mice only need a dime size hole to access your warm and cozy house!”
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5. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can make your heating system work overtime, increasing energy bills and reducing comfort. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any gaps or cracks.
- On a windy day, hold a lit candle near window seams and door frames—if the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.
- Consider installing storm windows or heavy thermal curtains for added insulation.
Allen recommends the following:
“Use weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air in and pests out. Remember, most peel-and-stick products work best when applied in outside temps over 40 degrees! If it’s colder, warm the surfaces with a hair dryer before applying.”
Also see:
6. Inspect Your Heating System
Before the cold really sets in, make sure your furnace or heating system is in good working order.
An HVAC technician cleaning an air duct
Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Replace your furnace filter every 1–3 months during the heating season to maintain good air quality and system performance.
- If you have a fireplace, get your chimney cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup can pose a serious fire hazard.
Allen adds the following heating tips:
“Tell Siri to remind you when to replace your furnace filter, or opt for a filter service that delivers them on schedule.”
“Don’t forget to reverse your ceiling fans! Flip the toggle switch on the motor to change the blade direction. A clockwise rotation will push warm air downward during winter, helping your system to not work as hard.”
Also see:
7. Service Your Water Heater
Hot water is a cold-weather necessity, so make sure your water heater is running efficiently.
- Drain the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the heater.
- Insulate your water heater tank and hot water pipes to reduce energy consumption.
Also see:
8. Protect Your Home from Water & Freezing Pipes
Frozen pipes are a costly and stressful winter problem. To prevent this, take steps in autumn months to insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses.
- Use foam pipe insulation sleeves on pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent burst pipes.
Allen recommends these water-related tasks:
- Check Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: “Make sure it’s easy to turn and everyone knows where it is.”
- Install & Test Water Leak Alarms: “Have one near the water heater, washing machine, fridge water line, sump pump, and under sinks.”
- Drain Outdoor Faucets & Hoses: “Prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting and storing hoses. Turn off hose valves on the inside of the house if you have them (often located in the crawl space).”
- Inspect Sump Pump: “Pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it kicks on.”
Also see:
9. Inspect and Clean Your Dryer Vents
Remove lint buildup from the dryer vent and hose to reduce fire risks and improve efficiency—a quick task that can save energy costs all winter. Thicker, bulkier garments worn in winter months generate more lint during drying cycles, accelerating buildup in the vent system and increasing the risk of clogs. Additionally, heavier clothing makes both the dryer and vent work harder, worsening lint accumulation and increasing the risk of fire.
Allen adds:
“Lint buildup is a major fire risk—vacuum the vent from inside and outside, too.”
10. Test Your Safety Devices
As you’ll be spending more time indoors with the heat running, it’s crucial to ensure your safety monitoring devices are all working properly.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms by pressing the test button.
- Replace batteries if older than six months, and units if more than 10 years old.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, basement and garage—and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are and how to use them.
Allen provides these invaluable safety tips:
- Smoke Detectors: “Replace the entire detector if it is older than 10 years whether battery operated or hard wired. Here’s a hack—to skip rewiring new detectors, buy the same brand with the same prong configuration and just snap new ones into place.”
- Test CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detectors: “Replace if over 7 years old”
- Check Fire Extinguishers: “Ensure pressure gauge is in the green zone and the pin is intact.”
- Review Your Fire Escape Plan: “Every household member should know two ways out of every room. Have a meeting place outside and be sure to come up with a pet evacuation plan!”
Also see:
11. Prepare Your Lawn, Garden & Outdoors
Fall is an ideal time to prep your lawn and garden for the coming winter and ensure that it bounces back strongly in the spring.
Outdoor maintenance tips:
- Rake leaves regularly to prevent mold and lawn suffocation.
- Aerate the soil to improve water and nutrient absorption.
- Apply fall fertilizer to strengthen grass roots.
- Pull out dead annuals and weeds.
- Mulch around perennials and shrubs to insulate roots.
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils, or crocuses) in sunny spots while soil is still workable.
- Store patio furniture and clean gardening tools before the first frost.
- Adjust manually timed lighting: remember Day Lights Savings Day is Sunday, November 2, 2025; at 2AM, fall back to 1AM
Allen also recommends the following:
- Trim Trees & Shrubs: “Remove dead or weak limbs near your home, storage sheds, neighboring property lines, fences, traffic signs, and utility lines.”
- Storing Garden Tools: “Wipe garden tools with vegetable oil prior to storing to prevent rust and damage.”
- Check Exterior Lighting: “Be sure pathways are cleared and well-lit and that your house number is visible for emergency situations. You want response crews to be able to reach you directly without any hesitation or confusion. Use dusk-to-dawn photocell lights to keep entryways lit, while warding off criminal intent.”
Also see:
12. Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture
Winterizing your outdoor furniture is essential to shield it from harsh elements like freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and moisture, which can cause cracking, rusting, mold, or mildew. Proper prep and protection will extend the lifespan of your furniture and save you from costly repairs or replacements come springtime.
A large shed that will be used to store outdoor furniture during the winter
Follow these steps to preprare your outdoor furniture for winter:
- Inspect for Damage: Before anything, check each piece for wear—cracks in plastic/resin, rust on metal, loose weaves in wicker, or fading on wood. Repair minor issues (e.g. sand rust, touch up paint) to prevent worsening over winter.
- Clean Thoroughly: Dirt and debris trap moisture, so a deep clean is key. Use material-specific methods with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush. Rinse well, then let everything air dry completely—never store damp items to avoid mold.
- Protect and Treat: Apply sealants, oils, or waxes as needed for your material. This creates a barrier against freeze-thaw cycles.
- Handle Cushions and Fabrics: Remove pillows, cushions, and covers. Wash per manufacturer instructions (often machine-washable in cold water, air dry—no dryer). Store indoors in a dry spot, or use airtight bags/vacuums to save space and deter pests.
- Store or Cover: If possible, move indoors to a garage, shed or basement, using lightweight covers to protect against dust. If storing in a humid spot like a basement, add silica packets to cushions. If storing outside, use high-quality, breathable waterproof covers, with vents, straps and sloped designs so snow slides off. Elevate furniture off the ground (e.g. on blocks) for airflow, and secure covers tightly to fend off wind and debris. Check periodically for pooling water or tears—breathability is crucial to let moisture escape. Also check for critter intrusions!
- Spring Prep: In early spring, uncover, hose down, and re-treat as needed. For teak, apply oil for sheen; for metals, buff away rust.
Also see:
13. Prep and Stock Up for Winter Power Outages
As winter approaches, assembling an emergency kit for power outages, storms, or isolation is crucial—aim for a 72-hour supply (or more) of basics to stay warm, fed, and safe without leaving home. Store items in waterproof containers, rotate perishables yearly, and tailor for family needs (e.g. pet food or baby supplies). Focus on having key supplies easily accessible in a central spot like a garage or closet.
Winter Weather Supplies Checklist:
Essentials
- Water: 1 gallon per person/pet per day (3-day minimum); include purification tablets if needed.
- Non-Perishable Food: Easy-prep items like canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter (3-day supply), honey, manual can opener.
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, pain relievers, antiseptics, tweezers, plus 1-month meds supply and prescriptions.
- Cold-fighting Nutrition and Supplies: chicken soup/broth/stock; Vick’s; powder/supplement ginger; Tiger Balm; aspirin; etc.)
Warmth & Comfort
- Blankets, lap warmers, sleeping bags, or extra warm clothing (wool socks, hats, gloves) for each person.
- Hand/foot warmers and heavy-duty trash bags for insulation or shelter.
- Backup heating sources, such as space heaters and generators.
Power & Light
- Flashlights (with extra batteries) or headlamps; battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates.
- Portable phone charger and backup power bank; consider a generator with fuel (used safely outdoors).
Tools & Safety
- Multi-tool, duct tape, wrench (for shutoffs), and whistle.
- Shovel, ice melt/sand for traction, and fire extinguisher; cash in small bills and important documents in waterproof bag.
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14. Check Your Attic and Basement Ventilation
Proper ventilation in your attic and basement prevents moisture buildup, mold growth, and structural damage during fall’s humid-to-cold transition.
View of a static vent installed on a shingle roof for passive attic ventilation
Poor airflow traps humid air from showers or cooking, leading to condensation, wood rot, or insulation failure—issues that worsen in winter with ice dams or frozen pipes.
- Inspect Vents and Soffits: Look for blockages like leaves, nests, or debris in eaves, ridge vents, gable fans, or basement windows. Clear gently with a brush or vacuum to maintain 1 sq ft of vent space per 150 sq ft of attic floor.
- Check Insulation and Seals: Ensure fiberglass or foam isn’t compressed or wet; gaps around pipes/wires should be caulked. Use a hygrometer—aim for 30-50% humidity; add exhaust fans if over.
- Test Exhaust Systems: Run bathroom/kitchen fans to confirm they vent outside (not attic). For basements, open windows briefly on dry days to air out.
- When to Call a Pro: If mold appears or airflow seems restricted, call an HVAC pro. Seal roof leaks first to avoid trapping humid air.
Also see:
15. Try Easier Methods for Handling Fallen Leaves
Fall leaf cleanup doesn’t have to be a backbreaking chore—beyond the basics of raking or mowing, there are smarter, eco-friendly strategies that save time, support wildlife, and enrich your soil.
These tips lean into natural approaches, turning what once felt like a burden into a boon for your yard’s health. Start small with one or two of these suggestions that fit your space, and you’ll likely notice easier maintenance next season. If your area has specific leaf disposal rules, check local guidelines first.
Here are several under-the-radar tips for leaf management drawn from expert gardening advice, that focus on low-effort repurposing and natural integration:
- Slide heavy piles with a tarp: For large leaf accumulations, lay out a sturdy polyethylene tarp (16 mil thick or more), rake leaves onto it, then have a partner help slide it across the yard by gripping the corners—no lifting required.
- Push compacted leaves like a plow: Flip a garden rake upside down and use its flat head to shove stubborn, matted leaf piles across the lawn or into bins, avoiding the pull-and-drag fatigue of traditional raking. It’s especially handy for dense debris near fences or edges.
- Create “leaf islands” around trees and shrubs: Rake leaves into small, intentional piles (or “islands”) at the base of trees, azaleas, or bushes, away from paths and foundations. Let them decompose naturally as mulch to insulate roots and feed soil microbes, while providing winter shelter for insects and small critters.
- Skip shredding to preserve wildlife habitats: Resist the urge to mulch every leaf—leave them whole in garden beds or piles to protect overwintering butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and ground-nesting bees. Nature’s decomposers (like millipedes) will handle the breakdown, recycling nutrients without disrupting ecosystems.
- Tarp and weight piles for delayed processing: If you can’t deal with a leaf pile right away, cover it completely with a tarp and secure the edges with bricks or stakes to block moisture and prevent mold. This keeps them dry and pest-free until you’re ready to mulch or compost, turning a potential mess into a stored resource.
- Build brush piles layered with leaves: Stack fallen branches and logs into hidden hibernation spots (behind hedges or in corners), then top with a layer of leaves for added cover. This creates cozy overwintering nooks for insects and defines native plant zones, boosting biodiversity with zero extra effort.
- Vacuum-shred for massive volume cuts: Invest in a leaf vacuum with a shredder attachment to suck up and pulverize leaves down to 1/11th their size before bagging. It’s a game-changer for big yards, prepping shredded bits for instant compost use and significantly reducing disposal trips.
- Delay full cleanup until late spring: Hold off on removing leaves or trimming until insects and birds finish their winter cycles—many pollinators nest in leaf litter and stems. This hands-off approach lets wildlife thrive and saves you an extra fall chore.
- Set up a simple leaf bioreactor for black-gold compost: For wooded lots with endless leaves, build a low-cost Johnson-Su Bioreactor (a static pile with perforated pipes for air flow) to turn piles into rich, fungal-dominant compost. This processes leaves on-site sustainably, improving soil over years without hauling waste.
Also see:
16. Declutter and Deep Clean Your Home
While any time of the year is a good time to declutter and clean one’s home, there are several reasons to do so during the fall season.
Most importantly, you can free up precious interior real estate prior to setting the stage for winter’s indoor focus. In particular, you can tackle indoor buildup from summer activities by pairing purposeful decluttering with a thorough deep clean of carpets and upholstery. This combined effort can transform your indoor spaces into sanctuaries of calm and freshness, before spending more time indoors during colder months.
Start by sorting through closets, cabinets, and forgotten corners: donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer love or need. As you clear the clutter, vacuum every inch thoroughly, then steam or shampoo high-traffic rugs, sofas, and chairs to remove summer grime, pet dander, and allergens that can sneak into fibers. This invaluable process can turn your home into a happier, more efficient haven by helping to:
- Boost mental clarity by reducing stress-inducing chaos
- Enhance productivity with streamlined access to essentials, and
- Promote healthier air quality to ease allergies and respiratory woes
Aim for one room per weekend to keep the effort manageable and progressively rewarding.
17. Check on Elderly Parents and Neighbors
Fall is a great time for homeowners—especially adult children—to reach out to elderly parents or aging neighbors regarding seasonal maintenance needs.
Yards that are not well kept may be a sign that a neighbor may need help with their maintenance chores
A quick call or visit can spot overlooked chores that might lead to slips, freezes, or bigger issues, promoting safety and independence. If mobility or energy is a concern, consider gifting maintenance services. For instance, adult children can cover TruBlue’s VIP plans for safety modifications and upkeep, or HandyPro’s monthly visits for assessments and grab bar installs—both ease the load without DIY risks. Other options like The Betty Brigade’s quarterly teams or Full Circle’s H.O.M.E. program offer insured pros for hassle-free help, often with free initial safety checks.
Consistently walking your neighborhood is an easy way to get to know your neighbors, especially elderly who may be need some assistance with certain chores
Low-Risk Ways to Lend a Hand to an Elderly Neighbor
- Gutter Clearing: Climb-safe you scoop leaves to prevent overflows and ice dams—avoids ladder falls for them.
- Outdoor Light Bulb Swaps: Replace burnt-out bulbs on porches or paths for better visibility, reducing trip hazards at dusk.
- Hose and Spigot Winterizing: Drain and insulate outdoor faucets to stop pipe bursts, a quick indoor-outdoor team-up.
- Leaf Raking in Key Areas: Clear walkways and driveways to prevent slips on wet leaves, focusing on high-traffic spots.
Closing Comments
Fall maintenance may seem like a lot of work, but it’s an investment in your home’s longevity, safety, and comfort. By tackling these tasks now, while conditions are mild, homeowners can rest easy knowing they’re prepared for the harsh winter months ahead. A weekend or two spent on fall maintenance can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs and save you a major headache come January.
Remember: A well-maintained home is a warm, safe, and energy-efficient one. So grab your checklist, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the cozy season ahead!
Additional Home Maintenance Articles
- What Homeowners Should Know About Home Insulation
- 5 Preventive Plumbing Tips When Hosting Guests at Home
- Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Daylight Harvesting
- Building Technologies for Disaster Resistant Homes
- Related Topics: Prevention | Home Safety | Winter | Energy Efficiency
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