Fall Home Care Checklist to Prepare for Cold Weather

Fall Home Care Checklist to Prepare for Cold Weather

Maintenance Checklists
100 Items
Comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist covering roof, gutters, heating systems, plumbing, electrical, and winter preparation tasks.

Essential Fall Home Maintenance Guide

Prepare your home for the colder months with this complete fall maintenance checklist. It helps homeowners inspect roofs and gutters, service heating systems, check plumbing for leaks, clean chimneys, test smoke detectors, and seal windows and doors. Taking these preventive steps in autumn ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and safety throughout the winter season.

1. Roof, Gutters & Drainage

1Inspect roof for damaged, missing, or curling shingles/flashing
2Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
3Ensure downspouts discharge water away from foundation
4Check for sagging, loose gutter brackets or leaks
5Install or repair gutter guards or screens
6Seal any cracks or gaps in roof penetrations (vents, chimneys)
7Check chimney cap and flashing for proper seal
8Examine roof valleys for debris buildup
9Inspect and repair fascia, soffits, and eaves
10Check attic for signs of water leaks or stains

2. Exterior Walls, Windows & Doors

1Inspect exterior siding, stucco, masonry for cracks, damage or gaps
2Clean and repaint or reseal trim, siding as needed
3Check caulking around windows, doors, utility penetrations; re-caulk as needed
4Inspect weatherstripping at doors and windows; replace if worn
5Test all exterior doors and windows for drafts or stuck operation
6Check and fix shutters, storm windows, or window covers
7Examine foundation walls for cracks or settling
8Trim vegetation and tree branches away from walls
9Clean and seal masonry or brick joints if needed
10Inspect exterior lighting fixtures, clean or replace them

3. Heating, HVAC & Chimney / Fireplace

1Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up of your furnace / heating system
2Replace or clean furnace filters
3Clean and inspect ductwork, vents, registers
4Reverse ceiling fan direction (so warm air is pushed down)
5Inspect and clean chimney; remove creosote buildup
6Check fireplace damper and firebox for damage or obstructions
7Inspect and test fireplace gas lines or fuel connections (if applicable)
8Ensure flue is clear and cap is intact
9Clean or service wood stove or pellet stove (if any)
10Test heating controls, thermostat, safety switches

4. Plumbing & Water Systems

1Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
2Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, basements, attics
3Check for leaks in visible plumbing, under sinks, behind appliances
4Flush household water heater to remove sediment
5Test shut-off valves; ensure they work smoothly
6Inspect and clean sump pump (if any)
7Insulate water heater and water pipes (where permitted)
8Inspect drainage around foundation: grading, downspouts
9Clean drain traps and drains (floor drains, basement drains)
10Check hose bibs and repair or replace damaged faucets

5. Electrical, Safety & Fire Protection

1Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed
2Check fire extinguishers; ensure they are fully charged
3Inspect electrical outlets, switches, light fixtures for damage or loose connections
4Clean dryer vent, duct, and lint trap thoroughly
5Check GFCI / AFCI outlets in wet or critical areas
6Inspect wiring visible in basements, attics, crawlspaces
7Test emergency lighting or backup systems (if present)
8Review and update your home fire escape plan
9Clean or vacuum dust from panels and breaker boxes (carefully)
10Label electrical panels, circuits, and update documentation

6. Interior Rooms & Finishes

1Inspect ceilings, walls for cracks, stains, mold or water damage
2Check for interior drafts or cold spots near walls/windows
3Clean or replace HVAC return grills and supply vents
4Reverse ceiling fan direction (if not done)
5Clean windows from inside, wash blinds, curtains
6Touch up interior paint where needed
7Inspect and lubricate door hinges, locks, and hardware
8Clean carpets, rugs, upholstery
9Inspect floors and moldings for damage or warping
10Check attic or crawlspace insulation and ventilation

7. Decks, Patios & Outdoor Structures

1Inspect decks, patios, porches for rot, cracks, or loose boards
2Seal or stain decks before harsher weather arrives
3Tighten railings, check stairs and handrails
4Repair cracks in concrete patios, walkways
5Check pergolas, gazebos, fences for damage or loose fasteners
6Store or cover outdoor furniture, cushions, grills
7Clean and protect outdoor wood surfaces (fence, rails)
8Remove vines or plants growing on structures
9Check awnings, canopies, and retractable coverings
10Inspect support posts and footings

8. Grounds, Landscaping & Drainage

1Rake and remove fallen leaves, debris from lawn and garden
2Aerate, seed, or fertilize lawn as appropriate
3Trim trees, branches; remove dead or diseased limbs
4Clean garden beds, mulch, and remove dead plants
5Check grading and slope away from foundation
6Inspect retaining walls, drainage swales, surface drains
7Clean and store garden tools, hoses, equipment
8Winterize irrigation / sprinkler systems
9Cover or protect shrubs and plants sensitive to frost
10Check for erosion or low spots; add soil or re-grade

9. Basement, Attic & Crawlspace

1Inspect for moisture, mold, leaks or signs of water infiltration
2Ensure vents and air pathways are clear and working
3Check insulation levels and condition
4Seal any cracks or gaps in foundation walls
5Examine support beams, joists, structural members for damage
6Check for pests, rodent activity, nests
7Ensure vapor barriers, ground covers (if present) are intact
8Test sump pump and backup (if applicable)
9Check wiring, plumbing, pipes passing through these spaces
10Check vent fans, exhaust and ensure airflow

10. Final Prep, Supplies & Documentation

1Stock up on winter supplies: rock salt, shovels, sand, snow melt
2Service and ready snow removal equipment (snowblowers, shovels)
3Keep a log of maintenance tasks done this season
4Schedule any professional inspections or maintenance you deferred
5Create a checklist or calendar for winter tasks
6Backup important documents (warranties, manuals, receipts)
7Check insurance policies & ensure coverage is adequate
8Label and store seasonal items (hoses, garden tools)
9Make a plan for emergencies or power outages
10Walk around the entire property for one more visual inspection
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