Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: How to Winterize Your Home Before Cold Weather

Fall isn’t just pumpkin spice, colorful leaves, and pulling your favorite sweaters out of storage.

It’s also the season when your house needs a little attention.

Before freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and winter storms arrive, there are several things homeowners should inspect and maintain around the house.

A few hours of preventative maintenance now could help you avoid frozen pipes, heating problems, water damage, drafts, and expensive emergency repairs in the middle of winter.

And you don’t have to tackle everything in one weekend.

Use this fall home maintenance checklist to work your way around your home and get everything ready before winter arrives.

1. Have Your Heating System Checked

Your furnace is about to become one of the hardest-working appliances in your home.

You don’t want to discover there’s a problem on the first freezing night of the year.

Consider having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A technician can check the system for potential problems and make sure it’s ready for the heating season.

It’s much nicer to deal with a furnace issue in September or October than during a January cold snap.

2. Check Your Furnace Filter

Even if your furnace doesn’t need professional service right now, check the filter.

A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your heating system work harder.

How frequently the filter needs to be changed depends on your HVAC system, filter, home, pets, allergies, and other factors, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Buy a few extras while you’re at it.

Then you won’t have to remember which size you need in the middle of winter.

3. Test Your Thermostat

Turn on your heating system before you actually need it.

Make sure the thermostat responds correctly and warm air is coming through the vents.

If you use a programmable or smart thermostat, this is also a good time to update your schedule for fall and winter.

Lowering the temperature while you’re asleep or away from home may help reduce energy use, as long as you maintain temperatures appropriate for your home, plumbing, pets, and household.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As homes close up for winter and heating equipment gets used more frequently, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms become especially important.

Test every alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace batteries when necessary and check the age of each device.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms don’t last forever. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for when the entire unit should be replaced.

If you have fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or an attached garage, carbon monoxide protection is particularly important.

5. Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney

Dreaming about your first cozy fire of the season?

Make sure the fireplace is ready first.

Wood-burning fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned as appropriate before regular use.

Creosote and debris can accumulate inside chimneys and create a fire hazard.

Gas fireplaces also need routine maintenance.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and schedule professional service when needed.

6. Check Windows for Drafts

Walk around your home and inspect your windows.

Look for:

• Cracked caulk
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Gaps around frames
• Broken locks
• Cracked glass
• Signs of moisture

If you feel cold air coming through a closed window, you may need new weatherstripping or caulk.

Fixing small gaps can make your home more comfortable and reduce the amount of heated air escaping outside.

7. Inspect Exterior Doors

Windows aren’t the only place cold air can sneak inside.

Check every exterior door.

Stand inside with the door closed and look for visible light around the edges.

Inspect the weatherstripping and the sweep along the bottom of the door.

Replace worn or damaged materials as necessary.

Don’t forget doors you don’t use very often, including garage service doors, basement entrances, and patio doors.

8. Clean Your Gutters

Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean the gutters.

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can prevent water from draining properly.

When winter arrives, clogged gutters can contribute to drainage problems and ice buildup.

Make sure gutters are securely attached and check for damaged sections while you’re cleaning.

If you aren’t comfortable working on a ladder, hire someone to handle this job.

9. Check Your Downspouts

Cleaning the gutters won’t help much if the water has nowhere to go.

Check your downspouts and make sure water is being directed away from the foundation.

Look for:

• Disconnected sections
• Cracks
• Clogs
• Loose connections
• Water pooling near the foundation

Address drainage problems before the ground freezes.

10. Inspect the Roof

You don’t necessarily need to climb onto the roof to give it a basic inspection.

From the ground, look for obvious problems such as missing, curled, cracked, or damaged shingles.

You can also check your attic and ceilings for signs of previous water intrusion.

If you notice anything concerning, have a qualified roofing professional inspect it.

A small roof problem is much easier to address before it’s buried under snow.

11. Check the Attic

Fall is a good time to take a quick look inside the attic.

Watch for:

• Signs of roof leaks
• Water stains
• Visible mold or moisture
• Pest activity
• Damaged insulation
• Unusual drafts

Insulation and ventilation both play important roles in how your home performs during winter.

If you suspect your attic doesn’t have adequate insulation or ventilation, consider having it evaluated by a professional.

12. Disconnect Garden Hoses

This is one of those tiny fall chores that can potentially prevent a much bigger problem.

Disconnect every garden hose from exterior faucets before freezing weather arrives.

Drain the hoses completely and store them for winter.

Leaving a hose attached can trap water where you don’t want it and increase the risk of freeze-related damage.

13. Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Once the hoses are disconnected, prepare your outdoor faucets for winter according to your home’s plumbing setup.

Some homes have frost-resistant faucets.

Others have interior shutoff valves that should be closed before the exterior faucet is drained.

Because plumbing systems vary, follow the appropriate procedure for your particular home.

If you aren’t sure what type of exterior faucets you have, a plumber can show you how your system should be winterized.

14. Winterize Your Sprinkler System

If you have an underground irrigation system, don’t forget about it.

Water remaining inside irrigation lines can freeze, expand, and damage pipes, valves, and sprinkler components.

Depending on the system and climate, winterization may involve shutting off the water supply and removing water from the lines.

Many homeowners in cold climates hire an irrigation professional to blow out their sprinkler systems each fall.

Schedule this early because appointments can fill quickly once freezing temperatures appear in the forecast.

15. Shut Down Outdoor Water Features

Fountains, outdoor sinks, ponds, and other water features may also require winter preparation.

Drain and store equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.

Pumps may need to be removed or protected.

If you have a pond with fish or aquatic plants, winterization requirements will depend on the pond’s depth, climate, and species.

Make sure you know what your particular setup needs before temperatures drop.

16. Inspect Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, test it before winter.

You want to know that it’s working before heavy rain, melting snow, or a midwinter thaw sends water toward your foundation.

Check that the discharge line isn’t blocked or damaged and that water is being directed to an appropriate location.

If your home is particularly vulnerable to basement flooding, you may also want to consider whether a battery backup system makes sense.

17. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff

Do you know exactly where your home’s main water shutoff is?

If not, find it now.

In the event of a burst pipe or plumbing emergency, you don’t want to spend 20 minutes searching for the valve while water pours into your home.

Make sure other responsible members of your household know where it is too.

18. Protect Pipes in Vulnerable Areas

Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas can be especially vulnerable during extremely cold weather.

Check plumbing in areas such as:

• Garages
• Crawl spaces
• Exterior walls
• Basements
• Utility rooms

If you have concerns about exposed plumbing, ask a qualified professional whether additional insulation or other freeze protection is appropriate.

Don’t wait until temperatures are below zero to figure it out.

19. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works all year, but nobody wants to lose hot water during winter.

Look around the unit for visible leaks, corrosion, or other signs of trouble.

Maintenance requirements vary by type and manufacturer, so check your owner’s manual for recommended service.

If your water heater is older or showing signs of deterioration, consider having it inspected before it turns into an emergency.

20. Reverse Ceiling Fans if Appropriate

Many ceiling fans have a seasonal direction setting designed to help circulate warm air during colder months.

Check the instructions for your specific fan.

If your model recommends changing direction for winter, clean the blades first and then adjust the setting.

Don’t assume every fan operates exactly the same way.

21. Check Your Dryer Vent

Fall is a great time to inspect your dryer vent system.

Lint can build up beyond the lint screen, reducing efficiency and creating a potential fire hazard.

Check the vent hose and exterior exhaust opening for obvious blockages or damage.

Professional dryer vent cleaning may be appropriate if the system hasn’t been cleaned recently or if you’re noticing clothes taking longer than usual to dry.

22. Clean Exhaust Vents

Walk around the outside of your house and identify exhaust vents for things like:

• Dryer
• Bathroom fans
• Kitchen ventilation

Make sure exterior openings aren’t blocked by leaves, debris, nests, or other obstructions.

Keep checking them during winter too, particularly after significant snowfall.

23. Inspect Exterior Caulk and Seals

Take a slow walk around your house.

Look at the areas where different materials meet, particularly around:

• Windows
• Doors
• Utility penetrations
• Exterior trim
• Pipes and vents

If caulk is cracked, missing, or pulling away, determine whether it needs to be replaced.

Sealing appropriate exterior gaps can help prevent moisture and cold air from entering the home.

24. Check Steps, Railings, and Walkways

A loose railing might be annoying in summer.

It’s much more dangerous when the steps are covered with ice.

Before winter, check:

• Porch railings
• Deck railings
• Exterior stairs
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Pavers

Repair loose railings and address significant trip hazards when possible.

You want your walking surfaces as safe as possible before snow starts covering everything.

25. Get Snow Removal Equipment Ready

Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to discover that you can’t find your shovel.

Pull out your winter equipment now.

Check your:

• Snow shovels
• Snow blower
• Ice scraper
• Roof rake, if appropriate for your home
• Traction products
• Winter gloves
• Car snow brushes

If you own a snow blower, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preseason maintenance.

If you hire someone to plow or shovel, confirm your winter arrangements before the first major snowfall.

26. Stock Up on Ice Melt

Pick up your preferred sidewalk treatment before everyone rushes to the store during the first ice storm.

Choose a product that’s appropriate for your surfaces and household.

Some products can damage certain concrete or landscaping, while others may be irritating or harmful to pets.

Read the package carefully and use the product exactly as directed.

27. Prepare Your Garage

Your garage becomes even more valuable during winter.

Spend an afternoon getting it ready.

Put away summer equipment, organize tools, and create space for winter supplies.

Move snow shovels and ice melt somewhere easy to reach.

There’s no point storing the shovel behind six patio chairs, a lawn mower, and three bicycles when there’s eight inches of snow outside.

28. Store Patio Furniture

Clean outdoor furniture before storing it for winter.

Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away to help prevent mildew.

If furniture has to remain outdoors, use appropriate weather-resistant covers.

Bring cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and other fabric items inside whenever possible.

29. Prepare Outdoor Grills

If you won’t be grilling during winter, clean and store your grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pay particular attention to fuel-storage requirements.

Propane cylinders and other fuels need to be handled and stored according to applicable safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions.

Don’t simply move fuel containers into the house because it’s convenient.

30. Check Exterior Lighting

Winter means fewer daylight hours.

Make sure exterior lighting is working before you’re coming home in the dark every evening.

Check:

• Porch lights
• Garage lights
• Motion lights
• Walkway lighting
• Backyard lights

Replace burned-out bulbs and clean dirty fixtures.

Good exterior lighting can make icy steps and walkways easier to see.

31. Trim Problem Tree Branches

Take a look at trees near your home, garage, driveway, and power lines.

Dead, damaged, or weak branches can become more dangerous under the weight of heavy snow and ice.

If you notice concerning branches, contact a qualified tree professional.

Never attempt to trim branches near power lines yourself.

32. Check Your Emergency Supplies

Winter storms can bring power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and stretches when you’d rather not leave the house.

Make sure you have basic emergency supplies available.

Depending on your household, that might include:

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Shelf-stable food
• First-aid supplies
• Necessary medications
• Pet supplies

If you use a generator, make sure you understand how to operate it safely.

Generators should never be operated inside a house, garage, basement, or other enclosed space because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

33. Put Together a Winter Car Kit

While you’re winterizing the house, don’t forget the car.

Create a basic winter emergency kit with items appropriate for your climate and driving habits.

You might include:

• Blanket
• Gloves and hat
• Flashlight
• Phone charger
• Ice scraper
• Small shovel
• Traction aid
• Jumper cables or jump starter
• Water
• Shelf-stable snacks

If you live somewhere with harsh winters, this is one of those things you hope you’ll never need but will be very glad to have if you do.

A Simple Fall Home Maintenance Schedule

A list this long can look intimidating, so don’t try to tackle everything at once.

Early Fall

Schedule furnace service, fireplace or chimney inspections, sprinkler winterization, and any professional roof or tree work.

These services can become harder to schedule as winter approaches.

Mid-Fall

Inspect windows and doors, check exterior caulk, clean the garage, store patio furniture, test alarms, check the sump pump, and organize winter supplies.

After Most Leaves Have Fallen

Clean gutters and downspouts and do a final inspection around the exterior of the house.

Before the First Hard Freeze

Disconnect garden hoses, winterize outdoor faucets, finish irrigation winterization, shut down outdoor water features, and make sure vulnerable plumbing is protected.

Before the First Snow

Get the snow blower, shovels, ice melt, winter car kit, and emergency supplies ready.

Then you can watch that first snowfall from inside instead of standing in the garage wondering where you put the shovel.

Fall Maintenance Can Save You Money Later

Home maintenance isn’t the most exciting part of fall.

It’s certainly not as fun as decorating the porch, baking something with apples, or curling up under a blanket with a movie.

But preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner.

A $10 tube of caulk is much cheaper than repairing water damage.

Disconnecting a garden hose takes two minutes.

Testing a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm takes even less.

And finding a heating problem during a routine fall inspection is far better than discovering it when it’s freezing outside.

You don’t need to make your house perfect.

Just work your way through the list, take care of the things your particular home needs, and address small problems before winter has a chance to turn them into bigger ones.

Then bring out the blankets, make something warm to drink, and enjoy your cozy home knowing it’s ready for whatever winter brings.