Printable Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes the time that we need to start prepping for winter! Fall is a great time to take a minute to do a few tasks around the home that often get neglected, so I put together a little fall home maintenance checklist to keep you on track!
Now that we’re all settled into our new (but pretty old) home, I’m spending a lot of time thinking about maintenance. I want to make sure we take great care of this home so it can last another 50+ years! It can be really easy to get caught up in the regular chaos of day-to-day life and forget to do some regular home maintenance tasks, so I decided to set up some seasonal home maintenance checklists for myself so I stay on track. Today, we’re kicking it off with the fall home maintenance checklist! I’ve even got a printable version for you so you so you can keep it visible all season long.
Fall Home Maintenance Video Overview
I put together a quick video explaining some of the tasks and showing how I’m using my checklist. Then, we’ll dive into the official list and I’ll explain what each item is and why it’s included.
Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
1. Check & Replace Weather Stripping
As temperatures drop, any tiny gaps around your doors can let in a surprising amount of cold air. Check your weatherstripping for cracks or gaps and replace any that has worn out. A quick fix here can make your home feel warmer, lower your energy bills, and keep those chilly drafts out for good.
2. Check Caulk Around Windows
Just like with the doors, it’s also a good idea to check the caulk sealing your windows. Over time this can crack or separate from the window, and it needs to be replaced if you want a good seal. This DAP AMP All-Weather Sealant is a great product for the job and is what I used to go around my house and check my windows! Don’t know much about caulk? Learn everything you need to know about caulk (and how to use it) right here.
3. Clean Gutters & Downspouts
It’s not a fun job, but it’s important! All those leaves falling from your trees can clog the gutters, causing water to build up and eventually damage your roof or your home’s foundation. And then you’ve got a much bigger problem! Clear out debris, check that water flows freely, and make sure downspouts point away from the house. It’s a quick task that can prevent major headaches later.
4. Check Exterior Caulking and Paint
Go for a quick walk around your house and check all of the areas around your windows and siding seams. If you notice any cracked or peeling caulk or paint, now is a great time to touch it up. This quick exterior maintenance will keep moisture out of your walls and keep your home nice and sealed from the elements. This is another one of those tasks that’s worth doing once a year just to be sure things are in order.
5. Inspect + Clean the Fireplace
If you have and use a fireplace, fall is the perfect time for a professional inspection and cleaning by a chimney sweep. Buildup in your fireplace can become a fire hazard, and critters sometimes nest in unused chimneys (eeek!). Even if you only use it occasionally, it’s worth the peace of mind to know everything’s safe and ready for cozy nights in.
6. Test Smoke Alarms + Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Shorter (and cozier) days mean more candles, fireplaces, and space heaters (my personal favorite). So, now is a great time to make sure your safety devices are working properly. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries if needed. It’s an easy five-minute task that could save your life. It’s also a perfect time to be sure that you have smoke detectors everywhere you need them! Some older houses might not be compliant with current codes, so do a quick check and make sure yours is. While you’re at it, make sure that each floor of your home has a fire extinguisher readily available.
7. Check Seals Around Pipes & Vents
Walk around both the inside and outside of your home and inspect where pipes, vents, or cables enter the walls. Fill any larger gaps with foam sealant and smaller ones with exterior-grade caulk to keep out cold air (or any tiny critters looking for warmth).
8. Check Seal Around Garage Doors
Your garage can let in a ton of cold air, especially if the door seals are worn out. And, goodness know mine are so this is at the top of my list! Inspect the bottom rubber gasket and the side weatherstripping. You should replace them if you see daylight or gaps. It’ll help regulate temperature, protect tools, and make working in the garage a little more tolerable.
9. Seal Cracks in Concrete Walkways or Driveway
Tiny cracks in your driveway, steps, or patio might not seem like a big deal. However, water can seep in and freeze, making them much worse. Now is a great time to fill any cracks with concrete crack filler before the first freeze to extend the life of your surfaces. Plus, it keeps things looking nice and fresh! For your garage, now would even be a great time to consider adding an epoxy floor.
10. Check Your Air Filters
Every few months you should replace your HVAC filters, so this task will be on every seasonal checklist! Keeping your filters clean and new helps your system run more efficiently and keeps the air flowing through your house cleaner. If it’s been a while, now might also be the best time to have an HVAC pro out for a quick tune up and check in. HVAC systems are incredibly expensive and it’s worth maintaining them to make sure they’re in good working order.
11. Clean Dryer Vents
Lint buildup isn’t just bad for your dryer’s efficiency (though, buildup can make the appliance work harder) – it’s a major fire hazard! Pull the dryer away from the wall, disconnect the vent, and clear out any trapped dryer lint. You can also grab a dryer vent cleaning brush for a deeper clean in minutes. Be sure to head outside and check the exterior vent as well, as lint can build up in that one too.
12. Trim Trees + Bushes
Heavy branches can cause damage if they’re hanging over your roof or close to windows. Trim them back before winter storms arrive, and rake up fallen leaves to keep your yard neat and maintain your lawn’s health. For many trees and shrubs, fall is also the perfect time to give them a trim because the growing season is over and they’re prepping to go dormant for the winter! If you have really large trees (like we do!) this might be a job for the pros.
13. Inspect the Roof
Before the colder months hit, take a quick look at your roof. You can do a basic inspection from the ground or a ladder yourself. Look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or anything that seems off. Catching small issues early can save you from leaks and costly repairs once winter weather sets in. If you really want to be thorough here, you can have a roof pro out for a quick check to tell you if anything looks problematic. It’s worth investing in a quick check once a year or so to make sure problems don’t become bigger later.
14. Drain & Store Garden Hoses
If you live in an area that will see a lot of freezing weather, it’s a good idea to check this item of the list sooner than later. Go ahead and disconnect your garden hoses and store them in the garage or shed. Turn off outdoor faucets and drain them completely to prevent burst pipes. Add a cover to any exterior faucets so you don’t have to scramble to get it done before that first freeze.
15. Stock Up On Fall Essentials
And finally, as we head deeper into the fall season it’s the perfect time to make sure you have everything on hand for when that cold weather hits. Make sure you have firewood ready to go, salt if you’ll need to salt your driveway, and plenty of batteries in case of power outages. It’s a great time to grab a fancy new fall candle or a cozy throw blanket too, just for fun.
You can grab a printable version of this checklist right here!