It’s that wonderful time of year again. When the air turns crisp and dewy and the leaves change every color of the rainbow. Let’s be honest though, it’s also when spiders and critters start showing up and you realize that your downspouts are clogged. Time for fall home maintenance (free fall home maintenance checklist at the bottom.)
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from a link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Fall home maintenance can be as daunting as Spring cleaning. You have less light and cooler, wet weather to contend with so getting things done ASAP is key.
28 fall home maintenance items you can do today.
Treat your lawn: Lawns need a lot of TLC after the scorching summer heat. This time of year is a great time to put moss, fertilizer, and seed treatments down. Because the ground is wet it will absorb the treatments and prepare your lawn to grow lush and green next season.
Put on your storm doors and windows: Here in the PNW, we don’t have a huge need to storm proof our houses. But…We here in the Portland east side have the Coho east winds to contend with. That means we have to ensure the east side of our houses is windproof.
Clear off roof debris and moss: I HATE moss. It grows everywhere on and around my house. Last week we had the roof cleaned and treated with moss inhibitor. Make sure not to clean your gutters first or you’ll have to re-clean them after the moss removal.
Clean gutters and clear downspouts: Get ready for the winter weather by clearing any debris from your gutters. The last thing you want is to have to climb a ladder in a storm. I’ve done it and it sucks!
Place weather-stripping on doors, windows, and garage doors: This is a super easy DIY that anyone can do. It is super cost-effective and keeps the drafts from coming in and the warm air from going out.
Maintenance and store tools and equipment: Now is the time to change the oil and filters in your lawnmower and power yard maintenance tools. It’s also a great time to clean and oil your hand tools. Make sure you put that snow shovel in a good place that’s accessible.
Clean and store patio furniture: You just spent a ton of money on this awesome outdoor furniture. Put it away! now’s the perfect time to clean it and bag up the cushions.
Check outdoor outlets: Outdoor outlets can become clogged with yard debris and critters. Clean out the outlets (carefully) and check them to make sure they work.
Winterize your sprinkler system: The last thing you want is for that expensive sparkler system to crack and break; enter the air compressor. Attach the compressor and blow all the excess water out of the line. (FOLLOW “THE FAMILY HANDYMAN’S” AWESOME TUTORIAL)
Prune and trim surrounding vegetation: Prepare for a lush spring by deadheading those roses and pruning dead branches off trees.
Remove leaves: No explication needed.
Wrap pipes: When pipes burst it sucks!!! I should know it’s happened to me. Insulate the pipes before the freezing weather gives you a rude awakening.
Cover water spouts: Just like insulating your pips covering the outdoor spouts protects them from freezing and bursting. Make sure to disconnect the hose and drain it as well.
Car maintenance and weatherization: Maybe not a home thing but equally as important. Time to get on your all-weather tires and top off the wiper fluid. I always put my winter emergency supplies in the trunk at the beginning of November.
Check oil levels: I have oil heating, I hate it! It cost around $800 to fill the oil tank. This only lasts about 3 months. None the less getting oil sooner in the season is usually cheaper than in January.
Have the chimney cleaned: We have 2 fireplaces that NEVER get used. Until now. I just had my fireplaces and chimney inspected and cleaned. Here comes the Haygge.
Change filter and maintenance furnace: Furnace filters are nasty. All the dust and tiny mites are trapped inside. Changing your filter a couple of times every year will prevent bad allergies.
Check all window surrounds and caulk if necessary: Give your windows a once over. Check around the edges of the trim and make sure that it is sealed tight. Don’t want any rot form mossier damage.
Seal cracks in driveway and foundation: Sealing cracks now before it freezes if important. If left open they will expand even further when it freezes.
Replace all smoke detector batteries: Again another no brainer! This can save your life.
Replace light bulbs on outdoor fixtures: For some reason, my bulbs go out all the time. With daylight savings time it’s going to be happening a whole lot more.
Prepare firewood or wood pellets: Today I was preparing my firewood and got bit by a spider…AHHHH. So don’t be dumb like me and wear some good work gloves when working around your woodpile. These are my favorite work gloves!
Change window treatments: Insulated window treatments can be spendy but are well worth it. They keep the cold out and the warm in!
Cover and seal AC units: A lot of air can travel through AC units. Buy a cover to prevent air leakage. This is a super simple fall home maintenance item that doesn’t cost a lot.
Clean windows inside and out: I always try to give my windows a once over before the winter muck starts. I know it’s going to get all gross and dirty but I want my Christmas tree to look good for a few weeks.
Plant spring bulbs: Tulips and daffodils. This is the time to make your spring gardening plans. Be sure to plant them soon!
remove algae and mold from walkways: You can buy solutions to quickly remove the mold and algae. This can become a real safety issue if you have brick pavers to stairs.
Prepare winter tools and products: Did somebody say snowblower. It’s time to trade in the lawnmower for the snowblower. Check to see if it needs a tune-up and fluids.
Enjoy my free fall home maintenance checklist! Just click on the picture to get the free printable PDF.
Did I miss anything? Let me know down in the comments. Stay tuned for a huge printable home binder.
Oh I think this would come really handy.. thanks for sharing..
Hey, thanks! It’s also important to prevent frozen pipes. Insulating your exposed pipes, especially those in cold areas or near exterior walls, can prevent the water from freezing 🙂
Thank you for sharing the fall home maintenance checklist. It is really helpful.