As the crisp fall air settles in, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder, wetter months ahead. Proper fall home maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
To help you get started, our property maintenance experts have put together this essential fall-to-winter checklist.
1. Inspect and Install Weather Stripping
Poor or worn-out weather stripping can lead to significant heat loss, causing higher energy bills. For around $50, you can seal drafts and improve insulation, saving hundreds of dollars on heating costs.
Check doors and windows for gaps and apply new weather stripping where needed.
Inspect your attic insulation—homes should have R-28 (8 inches) to R-40 (12 inches) of insulation for maximum efficiency.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Even the smallest gaps in your home’s exterior can allow cold air in and warm air out.
Caulk around windows and doors to seal drafts.
Inspect your foundation and siding for cracks and seal them before winter weather causes further damage.
3. Clean and Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutters divert thousands of gallons of water away from your home’s exterior and foundation every year. Clogged gutters can lead to:
Water damage to exterior surfaces
Basement flooding
Increased rust and corrosion
Before the leaves pile up, schedule professional gutter cleaning to keep your drainage system working efficiently.
4. Change Your Furnace Filter & Inspect Your Heating System
Your furnace works overtime in winter, and a clean filter helps it run more efficiently.
Replace your furnace filter at least three times a year for optimal air quality.
Have your HVAC ducts cleaned every 3-5 years to prevent dust buildup.
Consider a fall HVAC inspection to ensure your system is winter-ready.
Here’s a Fall home maintenance checklist for you to consider.
5. Check Your Roof & Chimney
Heavy rain, snow, and ice can take a toll on your roof.
Inspect shingles, flashings, and chimney bricks for any signs of leaks or damage.
Schedule a professional chimney cleaning before lighting your first fire of the season.
6. Test Smoke Alarms & Fire Safety Equipment
Safety first! As you prepare your home for winter, make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order.
Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations and ensure they are fully charged.
7. Prep Outdoor Equipment & Winter Essentials
Before the first snowfall, take care of lawn and outdoor equipment to prevent winter damage.
Empty gas from your lawnmower or add a fuel stabilizer.
Store hoses and shut off exterior water valves to prevent freezing.
Keep salt, snow shovels, and windshield scrapers easily accessible.
Get Your Home Winter-Ready with Professional Help
While some tasks are easy DIY projects, others—like gutter cleaning, exterior maintenance, and pressure washing—are best left to professionals.
At Umbrella Property Services, we offer property maintenance services to help homeowners like you stay on top of seasonal maintenance. From gutter cleaning to pressure washing, we ensure your home is ready to handle the winter months ahead.
Contact us today to schedule your winter home maintenance services!