The Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As the vibrant colours of autumn descend, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall is critical for home maintenance because it allows you to address any lingering issues before winter's harsher weather arrives. This fall home maintenance checklist is divided into sections to address different areas of your property. From roof inspections to heating system checks, here's everything you need to do to keep your home in prime condition when it comes time to sell.

Home Exterior Maintenance

Maintaining your home's exterior is essential as it faces the brunt of changing weather conditions. Fall is an excellent time to inspect and repair any issues that could worsen during the colder months.

Roof Inspection and Gutter Cleaning

• Inspect the roof: Look for loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Repair leaks or weak spots that could be susceptible to snow and ice buildup.
• Check for flashing damage: Ensure metal strips around chimneys, vents, and skylights are intact to prevent water from seeping into your home.
• Clean the gutters: Fallen leaves can clog gutters, leading to water damage. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean to allow proper water drainage.
• Consider gutter guards: If your gutters frequently clog with debris, consider installing gutter guards to make maintenance easier.

Siding and Exterior Walls

• Inspect for cracks or holes: Small openings in your siding can let moisture seep in, causing mould or mildew.
• Repair peeling paint: If the paint is chipping or peeling, touch it up to protect the siding from weathering.
• Check caulking: Look around windows and doors for cracked or worn caulking and reseal if necessary to maintain energy efficiency.

Windows and Doors

• Check for drafts: Drafty windows or doors can significantly impact your home's energy efficiency. Inspect seals and weatherstripping and replace them if needed.
• Clean windows: Use the mild weather to clean your windows and screens before the chill sets in.

Yard and Landscaping

A well-maintained yard not only adds curb appeal but also prevents hazards during the winter months. Fall is the perfect time to get your yard in shape and prepare any vegetation for the cold.

Leaf and Debris Removal

• Rake leaves regularly: Avoid letting leaves accumulate, as they can smother your grass, causing damage and promoting mould growth.
• Compost or mulch leaves: Use leaves as compost or mulch to improve soil health and provide nutrients for your garden.

Lawn Care

• Aerate the lawn: Aerating helps loosen compacted soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the grassroots before winter.
• Overseed bare patches: Apply grass seed to bare spots to ensure your lawn grows back thick and lush in the spring.
• Fertilize the lawn: A fall fertilizer high in potassium can help strengthen the grass's roots for winter.

Tree and Shrub Maintenance

• Trim branches: Remove dead or overhanging branches that could break during winter storms and potentially cause damage.
• Check for tree health: Look for signs of disease or rot in trees, as these could lead to problems if the tree falls during a storm.
• Prune shrubs and bushes: Trimming in the fall promotes healthy growth come spring and helps plants withstand the winter.

Home Heating and Ventilation Systems

As temperatures drop, your heating system will become crucial for comfort. Fall is ideal to ensure your HVAC system is ready to handle the increased demand.

HVAC Inspection

• Schedule a professional inspection: Have a licensed HVAC technician inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure it works efficiently.
• Replace filters: Dirty filters make your system work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing energy bills. Replace them before turning on the heat.
• Test the thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is working correctly. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management.

Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning

• Inspect and clean the chimney: A dirty or blocked chimney can cause dangerous fumes and smoke to back up into your home. Schedule a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote buildup.
• Check the damper: Ensure that the damper opens and closes properly and seals tightly when not in use.
• Examine the firebox: Look for cracks or deterioration in the firebox and have them repaired if necessary.

Ventilation System Check

• Inspect air ducts: Clean or replace air filters and ensure that air ducts are clear of debris to ensure proper air circulation.
• Check for blockages: Confirm that all vents and exhausts are free from obstructions such as leaves or bird nests, which can pose a fire hazard.

Home Plumbing and Water Systems

Cold weather can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, especially if pipes freeze. Fall is the time to safeguard your plumbing to prevent costly repairs later.

Outdoor Faucet and Sprinkler System Maintenance

• Drain outdoor faucets: Turn off and drain outdoor water lines to prevent them from freezing and bursting in winter.
• Winterize the sprinkler system: Have your sprinkler system blown out to remove water from the lines and prevent freezing.

Inspect Pipes and Insulate Where Needed

• Check for leaks: Inspect your plumbing for any signs of leaks, especially in crawl spaces or basements where freezing is more likely to occur.
• Insulate exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation to cover any exposed pipes in attics, garages, or basements.

Water Heater Inspection

• Flush the water heater: Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, reducing its efficiency. Flush it to remove any debris and extend its lifespan.
• Check the temperature setting: Ensure the water heater is set to around 120°F (49°C) to maximize energy efficiency and prevent scalding.

Home Interior Maintenance

Your home's interior requires attention in the fall to ensure comfort, safety, and energy efficiency throughout the colder months.

Check Insulation

• Inspect attic insulation: Adequate insulation in the attic is essential to prevent heat loss. If you notice drafts or uneven temperatures, consider adding insulation.
• Seal gaps: Look for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, or the attic and seal them to prevent heat from escaping.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test detectors: Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work correctly, and replace the batteries if needed.
• Install detectors if needed: If you don't already have carbon monoxide detectors, fall is the perfect time to install them, particularly near bedrooms and fireplaces.

Safety Checks

• Check fire extinguishers: Ensure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible.
• Review emergency plans: Go over emergency exit plans with your family and confirm that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Miscellaneous Home Maintenance

Remember these often-overlooked tasks that help keep your home running smoothly throughout the fall and winter.

Garage Door Maintenance

• Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate the tracks, rollers, and hinges to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
• Test the door balance: Check that the door opens and closes properly. If it's unbalanced, it could strain the opener.

Clean and Organize

• Declutter the garage and shed: Organize your outdoor tools and equipment, store seasonal items, and ensure you have easy access to snow removal equipment.
• Store patio furniture: Clean and store outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements, or invest in weather-resistant covers if storage isn't available.

Performing the fall home maintenance checklist can save you from unexpected repair bills and keep your home comfortable throughout the colder months. A little effort now will provide peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe, energy-efficient, and ready to withstand the elements.