Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Next steps (at a glance)

If you only do 3 things:

  1. Prepare heating systems before cold weather.

  2. Control water and drainage before freeze-thaw cycles.

  3. Seal small exterior gaps before they become winter damage.

Urgency level: Low → Medium
(Becomes High if heating systems don’t work, water intrudes, or exterior damage is visible.)

Short answer

Fall is your last low-stress window to prepare the house for winter. Small checks now prevent frozen pipes, heating failures, moisture damage, and emergency repairs later.

This checklist focuses on what actually matters, not cosmetic chores.

Why fall maintenance matters

Cold weather magnifies problems:

  • Water expands when frozen

  • Heating systems run nonstop

  • Small gaps let heat escape and moisture enter

Fall maintenance is about preventing stress on systems before they’re pushed to their limits.

Fall maintenance checklist (prioritized)

Heating & HVAC (highest priority)

  • Replace or check HVAC filters

  • Turn on the furnace before cold nights arrive

  • Listen for unusual startup noises

  • Confirm vents are open and unobstructed

Heating problems are easier to fix before winter demand spikes.

Water & plumbing

  • Disconnect garden hoses

  • Shut off exterior water lines if applicable

  • Check for dripping faucets

  • Watch for slow drains

Frozen pipes cause sudden, expensive damage.

Roof & exterior

  • Inspect shingles from the ground

  • Check flashing around vents and chimneys

  • Look for loose siding or trim

  • Seal visible gaps where pests or air can enter

Wind and ice exploit weak exterior points.

Gutters & drainage

  • Clean gutters and downspouts

  • Ensure water drains away from the foundation

  • Check downspout extensions

  • Watch for pooling near the house

Fall leaves are the #1 cause of winter gutter failure.

Basement & moisture

  • Test sump pumps

  • Monitor basement humidity

  • Look for new stains or damp areas

  • Address musty odors

Winter moisture problems often start in fall.

Electrical & safety

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

  • Check outdoor outlets and covers

  • Ensure electrical panels stay dry and accessible

Fall brings increased heater and appliance use.

Appliances

  • Clean dryer vents

  • Inspect washing machine hoses

  • Run dishwasher and washer on normal cycles

  • Listen for new noises

Cold weather exposes marginal appliance issues.

What usually gets skipped (but shouldn’t)

  • Furnace testing before winter

  • Downspout discharge distance

  • Small exterior cracks

  • Dryer vent airflow outside

These are common winter failure points.

DIY-safe checks you can do

All checklist items above are homeowner-safe.

Avoid:

  • Roof climbing

  • Electrical panel work

  • Gas adjustments

  • Structural repairs

Observation is enough to decide next steps.

If you don’t want to call a professional yet but want to stay safe

Prioritize:

  • Heating system readiness

  • Water shutoffs and drainage

  • Safety devices that fail testing

Document issues and reassess before temperatures drop.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting for the first cold snap

  • Ignoring minor exterior gaps

  • Assuming last winter’s performance guarantees this one

  • Skipping gutter cleaning

Fall is about prevention, not reaction.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed professional if:

  • The furnace won’t start or runs poorly

  • Water leaks appear

  • Gutters overflow after cleaning

  • Safety devices fail testing

What to ask:

  • Winter readiness concerns

  • Preventive fixes vs monitoring

  • Timing before cold weather

What to expect:
Fall service is usually calmer and cheaper than winter emergency calls.

Related guides

Disclaimer:
This is general information only. When in doubt, hire a licensed professional.