10 Fall Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Before the Weather Changes

When my partner and I traded Florida’s endless summer for Illinois’ four distinct seasons, we were in for quite a surprise.

As new homeowners, we quickly realized that fall in the Midwest isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and colorful foliage—it’s also a crucial time for home maintenance.

Coming from the Sunshine State, where “winterizing” meant throwing on a light jacket, we found ourselves facing a whole new world of seasonal preparations.

Suddenly, terms like “gutter guards” and “furnace inspections” became part of our vocabulary.

We researched, we learned, and yes, we sometimes learned the hard way (let’s just say our first encounter with a frozen garden hose was… educational).

Now, after a few years of living in Illinois, we’ve become fall maintenance experts by necessity.

We’ve compiled this list of 10 essential tasks to help other homeowners—whether you’re fellow transplants from warmer climes or long-time Midwesterners looking for a refresher.

So grab a mug of hot apple cider, and let’s tackle the fall maintenance tasks that will keep your home running smoothly through the chilly months ahead. Trust us—your future self will thank you when the snow starts falling!

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is one of the most important tasks to tackle in the fall. As trees shed their leaves, gutters can quickly become clogged with debris, preventing rainwater from flowing properly.

Blocked gutters can lead to serious problems, such as water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. If water overflows, it can pool around the base of your house, causing leaks or flooding in your basement.

To clean your gutters, you’ll need a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a small garden trowel or gutter scoop. Remove all the debris by hand and use a garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt.

Also, check the downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely. If needed, use a plumber’s snake or high-pressure water to clear any blockages.

Installing gutter guards can help reduce the amount of debris that accumulates, saving you some effort next fall.

2. Inspect the Roof and Chimney

Before winter hits, it’s crucial to inspect your roof and chimney for signs of damage. Missing or cracked shingles can allow moisture to seep into your home, causing leaks, mold, or even structural damage.

Similarly, a damaged chimney can be a fire hazard, especially if you use it for heating.

Start by visually inspecting your roof from the ground, looking for damaged or missing shingles, sagging areas, or moss growth, which can indicate trapped moisture.

For a more thorough inspection, consider hiring a professional to walk the roof and check for problems. While you’re at it, inspect the flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights for signs of wear.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, having your chimney cleaned by a professional before winter is a must. Soot and creosote can build up inside the chimney, leading to blockages or even chimney fires.

A professional will also check for cracks in the chimney’s masonry or cap to ensure it is safe and ready for use.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Gaps around windows and doors are common sources of heat loss during the colder months. If you can feel a draft or notice condensation inside your windows, it’s time to improve your home’s insulation by sealing any gaps.

This can significantly reduce your heating bills and make your home more comfortable during the winter.

Start by inspecting the seals around your windows and doors. For windows, use caulk to fill in any cracks along the frame. Around doors, apply weatherstripping along the edges to create a tight seal.

You can also add a door sweep at the bottom to prevent cold air from entering.

If you have older windows that are particularly drafty, consider adding storm windows as an extra layer of protection. You can also apply window insulation film for a quick and inexpensive way to reduce drafts.

4. Service Your Furnace

A well-functioning furnace is essential for staying warm during the winter months, so it’s important to have it serviced in the fall.

Regular maintenance can help your furnace run more efficiently, extend its lifespan, and reduce the risk of a breakdown during a cold snap.

Without proper care, a neglected furnace can become a fire hazard or lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

Start by changing the air filter, which should be done every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter you use. A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes your furnace work harder, increasing your energy bills.

Next, schedule an inspection with a certified HVAC professional. They’ll check for issues like worn belts, dirty burners, and faulty wiring, and they can calibrate your thermostat for accurate temperature control.

Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This allows you to set your home to a lower temperature while you’re away, saving on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you prepare for colder weather and increase the use of heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters, it’s crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Carbon monoxide, in particular, is a silent, odorless gas that can be deadly. Regularly testing your detectors and replacing batteries can prevent potential disasters.

First, press the test button on each smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. If the alarm sounds weak or doesn’t go off at all, replace the batteries immediately.

For added peace of mind, replace any detectors that are more than 10 years old, as their sensors may become less reliable over time.

You should also consider upgrading to interconnected detectors, which means that when one alarm goes off, all the others do.

This ensures that everyone in the home is alerted to a fire or carbon monoxide leak, even if it happens in a distant room or while you’re asleep.

6. Drain and Store Garden Hoses

Drain and store your garden hoses before the first frost to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

If water is left inside, it can freeze, expand, and cause the hose to crack. This can also lead to burst pipes in outdoor faucets, which can result in costly repairs.

Start by disconnecting all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and letting any remaining water drain out.

Coil the hoses neatly and store them in a garage or shed. If you have outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply to them from inside your home and open the faucet to drain any residual water.

Consider installing frost-proof spigots or faucet covers to add extra protection.

For sprinkler systems, it’s important to blow out the lines to remove any trapped water, which can freeze and damage the pipes.

7. Check Insulation in the Attic

Proper insulation in your attic is key to keeping your home warm in the winter and reducing energy bills. If your attic lacks sufficient insulation, heat can escape through the roof, forcing your heating system to work harder.

This can result in uneven temperatures throughout the house and higher utility costs.

To check if your attic is adequately insulated, measure the thickness of the insulation.

Most homes need about 12 to 15 inches of insulation for optimal efficiency. If you can see the ceiling joists, that’s a sign you likely need more insulation.

You should also inspect for any signs of moisture or mold, which could indicate poor ventilation.

Proper attic ventilation, working hand-in-hand with insulation, prevents ice dams and moisture buildup, which can lead to costly roof repairs.

8. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown branches can pose a hazard during winter storms, especially if they’re close to your roof or power lines.

Ice, snow, and wind can cause branches to break off, potentially damaging your home, vehicles, or nearby power lines.

Trimming trees and shrubs in the fall reduces the risk of damage and keeps your yard looking tidy.

Before trimming, identify any branches that are dead, damaged, or too close to your home. Use clean, sharp tools to make smooth cuts, and don’t remove more than one-third of a tree’s branches at once to avoid stressing it.

If the trees near power lines are large, it’s best to hire a professional arborist to safely trim them.

Proper pruning also promotes the health of your trees and shrubs, helping them withstand the winter and thrive in the spring.

9. Prepare Outdoor Furniture for Storage

Winter weather can be hard on outdoor furniture, so it’s important to clean and store it properly before the cold sets in.

If left outside unprotected, furniture can rust, crack, or fade, especially if it’s made of metal or plastic. Storing it indoors or covering it can extend its lifespan and keep it looking great for next season.

Start by cleaning your outdoor furniture with a mild soap and water solution. Remove any dirt, mildew, or stains, and let everything dry completely before storing it.

Store cushions, pillows, and fabric items indoors, as they can become moldy or damaged by moisture.

If you don’t have space to store larger furniture items inside, cover them with waterproof furniture covers that can withstand snow, ice, and wind.

Remember to clean and store any outdoor decor items, such as umbrellas, rugs, or planters, to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

10. Check and Repair Walkways and Driveways

Cracks or uneven surfaces in your walkways and driveways can become dangerous when snow and ice arrive.

Water can seep into cracks, freeze, and expand, causing the damage to worsen over time. Fall is the perfect time to repair these issues before winter weather makes them bigger and more costly to fix.

Inspect your walkways and driveway for any cracks or uneven spots. For small cracks, use a concrete filler or asphalt sealant to fill them in and prevent water from entering.

If the damage is more extensive, you may need to hire a professional to resurface the area.

Get Ahead of Winter: Essential Fall Maintenance for a Safe and Cozy Home

By addressing these problems in the fall, you’ll not only protect your home’s curb appeal but also reduce the risk of slips and falls when icy conditions hit.

Taking the time to tackle these essential maintenance tasks ensures your home stays safe, warm, and efficient throughout the colder months.

Here’s the list that you can save or print by right-clicking on the image –

So, as the temperatures start to drop, get ahead of the game and prepare your home for winter—your future self will thank you when the snow arrives, and you can relax, knowing your home is in top shape!

Have more tasks to add to our list? Leave a comment below to let us know!