Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 2025

5 min readUpdated Feb. 27, 2025Terry MehilosWindows
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Our comprehensive Fall Home Maintenance Checklist is here to assist you as the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall. It's crucial to prepare your home for the challenges that the fall season brings. This guide will help you tackle crucial tasks for maintaining both the exterior and interior of your home, lawn care, and porch and deck upkeep, as well as vital safety measures. With our expert advice, this fall home maintenance checklist will be a breeze to follow. A well-maintained home not only guarantees your comfort but also safeguards your investment. Let's dive into the tasks that will help you maintain your home this fall.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Getting your home ready for fall and winter involves completing many crucial tasks.
  • Prepare your home, lawn and garden for colder weather by following the expert advice in this comprehensive checklist.
  • Ensure your family’s comfort and safety by preparing now for severe winter weather ahead.

Exterior Maintenance for Fall

Our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist starts with the exterior of your house. Here are the key tasks:

  • Clean gutters and downspouts: Gutters can get clogged with falling leaves and debris. Regular cleaning will ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
  • Inspect and clean the roof: Check for any loose or damaged shingles and remove any debris that may have gathered. This will help prolong your roof's lifespan and prevent leaks.
  • Seal any air leaks: As temperatures start to drop, seal any air leaks around windows and doors. This will increase energy efficiency and keep your home warm during the colder months.
  • Inspect and clean siding: Look for cracks or damage to siding and repair or replace the siding to keep cold air out of your home during fall and winter. Follow the tips in this video to clean your home’s siding:

By completing these tasks, you'll have your home's exterior ready for the fall. For any questions, our team at Sears Home Services is ready to assist.

Interior Maintenance

Maintaining your home's interior during the fall is just as crucial as the exterior. Here are some key tasks for your fall home maintenance checklist:

  • Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure they are functioning properly, as you'll likely be spending more time indoors during the colder months.
  • Adjust thermostat settings: As the weather cools, adjust your thermostat settings for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Drain the water heater: Drain your water heater at least once a year to improve its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
  • Have you furnace inspected and maintained: A professional inspection and maintenance will ensure your furnace is running efficiently and identify any potential issues. Schedule your fall furnace maintenance and cleaning service now.

Attending to these interior maintenance tasks will keep your fall home comfortable, safe, and efficient.

Lawn and Garden Fall Maintenance

Preparing your lawn and garden for the colder months is a key part of our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist. Here are the steps:

  • Prep lawn and trees for winter: Rake up fallen leaves and give your lawn a final mow. Cut your grass shorter than you normally would in the summer to avoid snow mold. This fungus can show up after a thaw if your grass is too long and matted. Protect your trees with burlap or tree wrap to shield them from harsh winter conditions. This is a key part of lawn maintenance in the fall.
  • Clean and store lawn equipment: Clean and maintain your lawn equipment before storing it for the season. This will prevent damage and ensure they're ready to use when warm weather returns.
  • Winterize your vegetable garden: Remove dead, decaying plant matter and pop it in your compost bin. But leave your dead stalks in the garden. They’ll act as makeshift mulch to help protect your perennials’ roots. Cover your garden with mulch. This will help protect your garden soil from the cold.

These fall maintenance tasks will keep your lawn and garden in excellent condition throughout the winter. For any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Sears Home Services.

Porch and Deck Maintenance

Maintaining your porch and deck during the fall season is crucial. Here are some key tasks for your house winter checklist:

  • Turn off exterior faucets: Prevent water in pipes from freezing and causing damage by turning off and draining any exterior faucets.
  • Inspect and clean fireplace chimney: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before using your fireplace during the fall season to prevent chimney fires.
  • Keep firewood dry: Store your firewood properly to ensure it burns efficiently and stays free from mold and rot.

Following these tips will keep your porch and deck in great condition throughout the fall season and extend their lifespan.

Safety Precautions for Fall and Winter

As part of your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist, safety should always be a priority. Here are three safety measures to keep in mind:

  • Tune up your snowblower: Make sure your snow removal equipment is in top shape by tuning up the engine and stocking up on supplies such as shear pins.
  • Review home fire safety measures: With the arrival of colder weather, it's the perfect time to review your home's fire safety measures. Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and review your fire escape plan.
  • Test your emergency generator: Fall often brings unpredictable weather, including storms and power outages. Ensure your emergency generator is ready to provide backup power when needed.

By incorporating these safety precautions in your fall home maintenance checklist, you'll have a safe and comfortable home for the cold seasons ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I check my windows before winter?
Gaps and drafts can lead to higher heating costs. A service provider can inspect and seal or replace windows to keep your home cozy.
What else is essential on a fall checklist?
Clean gutters, service heating systems, and inspect exterior walls. Service providers can help with window checks as part of a broader home maintenance plan.
How can new windows reduce my winter energy bills?
Advanced insulation and weatherstripping minimize heat loss. Service providers can install windows that help maintain a stable indoor temperature.
Should I DIY or hire professionals?
A professional evaluation by contractor ensures small issues are addressed correctly, saving you time and money in the long run.

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Glossary Terms

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A drop-in range is a type of kitchen stove that is designed to be fitted into a pre-existing space in kitchen cabinetry, mounted on a platform, flanked by cabinetry, and often featuring a custom panel at the bottom.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

Common Appliance Symptoms

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite microwave has no power are a bad thermostat, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken switch.

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The most common reasons your LG freezer is leaking water are a clogged drain tube, cracked water tubing or a bad evaporator.