A Fall Home Checklist: 12 Tasks to Finish Before Winter

Fall is the last easy window for home upkeep. The weather is mild, the ladder is still comfortable to climb and nothing is frozen yet. Work through this list over a few weekends and you will head into winter with fewer surprises.

Outside

1. Clear the gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris block water flow, which can lead to overflow and damage along the roofline and foundation. Make sure downspouts carry water away from the house.
2. Look over the roof from the ground. Binoculars help. Note missing, curled or cracked shingles and call a roofer if something looks wrong rather than climbing up yourself.
3. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off outdoor faucets from the inside if your home has dedicated shutoff valves, and drain what remains.
4. Seal gaps and cracks. Check around windows, doors and where pipes or cables enter the house. Caulk small gaps and replace worn weatherstripping.
5. Tidy the yard for winter. Rake leaves off lawn areas, bring in cushions and stow patio furniture.

Inside

1. Replace the furnace or HVAC filter. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the right size and schedule. A clogged filter makes your system work harder.
2. Book a heating system tune-up. A professional can inspect and clean the system before the first cold snap, when schedules fill quickly.
3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button and replace batteries where needed. See our guide to home safety basics.
4. Reverse your ceiling fans. Many fans have a switch that makes the blades turn clockwise at low speed in winter, pushing warm air down from the ceiling.
5. Check the fireplace and chimney. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended before the season.
6. Test the sump pump if you have one. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm the pump turns on and drains.
7. Stock a winter kit. Flashlights, batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit and a few days of non-perishable food and water make a power outage far less stressful.

Make it manageable

Split the list into three short sessions: outside, heating and safety, and a final wrap-up. Put the filter change on your phone calendar so it repeats, and keep a notebook of dates and product sizes so next fall is faster.