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10-Item Fall Home Checklist
Protect Your Home and Prepare for the Season Ahead
Fall is more than just pumpkin spice and changing leaves, it’s also one of the most important times of the year to take care of your home. A little preventative maintenance now will keep your family cozy, help you avoid costly surprises, and make sure your spaces are ready to shine through the colder months.
Here’s our 10-item checklist to guide you through the season:
Check for drafts and gaps. Add weatherstripping or caulk where needed to cut down on energy loss and keep your home warm. Make sure double-hung windows are fully closed and the locks are engaged.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Regularly cleaning out leaves and debris allows rain and snowmelt to flow freely, preventing water buildup that can compromise your roof, siding, and foundation. Hire a maintenance service to clean the gutters, many window-cleaning companies also offer this service.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Look for missing shingles, soft spots, or cracks in flashing. Addressing small repairs now helps you avoid emergency winter fixes. Use your cell phone to take photos (from the ground) and magnify them for a closer look. Contact a roofer or maintenance service to address any potential issues.
4. Service Your Heating System
Schedule a furnace tune-up and replace filters. A dirty filter is the most common cause of furnace and AC problems. Also service the humidifier and set the damper to “winter.” A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Check batteries, replace outdated units, and make sure detectors are in key areas, especially near bedrooms. The old-school method of changing the batteries in the fall when adjusting clocks back to standard time still works like a charm.
6. Protect Outdoor Living Spaces
Store or cover patio furniture, clean and seal decks, and safeguard fire pits or outdoor kitchens per manufacturer guidelines. Old-fashioned mothballs placed in storage areas can help keep mice and other rodents from nesting in stored furniture.
7. Prepare Plumbing and Exterior Water Lines
Shut off outdoor faucets and disconnect and drain any hoses. Install a foam spigot cover if your spigot isn’t a “frost-free” unit. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent costly freeze damage.
8. Give Landscaping Some Attention
Mulch leaves, trim back branches, and aerate your lawn. Plant spring bulbs now for a colorful yard come March. If you mow your own lawn, lower the blade by about ½ inch to shorten grass length, this helps prevent mold during the winter.
9. Clean Exhaust Fans
Bathroom exhaust fans can become clogged with dust and hairspray if not cleaned regularly. Kitchen exhaust units also collect grease and need attention. How often you clean depends on how much and what you cook.
10. Check Insulation and Attic Ventilation
Heat rises, and if your attic isn’t properly insulated, you’re paying for it. Inspect insulation levels, look for gaps, and confirm vents are clear. This keeps your home warmer, prevents ice dams, and reduces utility costs. Many older homes in Pittsburgh (built before 2010) do not have sufficient attic insulation, consider a consultation with an insulation contractor.
Final Thought:
When your home is prepared, fall feels less like a season of chores and more like a season of comfort. This 10-item checklist is a simple but powerful way to protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind heading into winter.
Bonus: Plan Ahead for Holiday Hosting
Tackle quick projects like new lighting, a fresh coat of paint, or minor kitchen upgrades before the busy season arrives.