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Learn how to weatherize your home for summer and save on energy bills. Get expert tips and tricks from Sears Home Services.
Fall Into Action: Your Essential Home Checklist
Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to prep your home for cooler temps, falling leaves, and the approaching winter season.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Seasonal HVAC, roof, and gutter maintenance now can help avoid expensive breakdowns during the coldest months.
- Sealing drafts, reversing fans, and upgrading insulation keeps your home cozy while lowering energy bills.
- From checking smoke detectors to prepping your kitchen appliances, these tips ensure a secure and stress-free fall.
Just like we tackled summer to-dos, we’re back with your no-stress, get-it-done guide to fall home maintenance. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep your home cozy, safe, and energy-efficient all season long.
1. Heating and HVAC Tune-Up
Don’t get caught in the cold.
Schedule a professional HVAC check-up to ensure your heating system is ready for the months ahead.
Additionally, don’t neglect these tasks that can save you money on energy bills and help keep you safe and comfortable all season long:
- Replace air filters (monthly or every 3 months depending on your system).
- Inspect air ducts for leaks. If you see excessive dust and lint, schedule air duct cleaning service.
- Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to keep things comfy and efficient.
Pro tip: If your furnace or heat pump is older than 15 years, it might be time to explore an upgrade before it gives out mid-winter.
2. Roof and Gutter Check
Protect your home from top to bottom.
- Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and flashing. Have a reputable roofing contractor fix any problems.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and ice dams once snow arrives.
- Trim back any tree branches that are too close to your roof.
Pro tip: Install gutter guards to save yourself the hassle of frequent clean-outs.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Keep the warm air in and the drafts out.
Check for gaps, cracks, or worn weatherstripping around windows and doors. Caulking and sealing now can save big on your heating bill.
Pro tip: Use a candle or incense stick to detect airflow around the frames.
4. Winterize Outdoor Spaces
Get outdoor areas ready to hibernate.
- Drain and store garden hoses.
- Cover exterior faucets to avoid freezing.
- Store patio furniture or cover it securely.
- Clean and store gardening tools.
Pro tip: Spread mulch around plants to insulate roots during the colder months.
5. Tune Up Your Snowblower Now
Servicing your snowblower early before the first storm hits is always a smart move.
Here’s a video from our experts that shows you how to get your snowblower ready for winter:
If you don’t want to do all that work yourself, schedule professional snowblower maintenance and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your house to whip your snowblower into top shape.
Pro tip: Be sure to have plenty of extra snowblower shear pins handy for winter so that your snow clearing won’t be interrupted.
6. Safety First
Fall is fire safety season.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries.
- Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace and stock up on firewood if needed.
- It’s also a good time to inspect your fire extinguisher.
Pro tip: Add a reminder to check your detectors when daylight saving time ends.
7. Energy Efficiency Boost
Make your home smarter this fall.
Consider:
- Adding insulation to your attic.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.
- Scheduling a home energy audit.
Pro tip: Use heavy curtains in drafty rooms to keep heat in and cold out.
8. Indoor Prep
Create a cozy indoor retreat.
- Clean and reverse ceiling fans to push warm air downward.
- Deep-clean rugs and carpets before windows are shut tight.
- Rotate mattresses and refresh bedding for the season.
Pro tip: Bring in seasonal scents like cinnamon, clove, and vanilla for a cozy fall vibe.
9. Prepare for Holiday Cooking
Get ready for the upcoming holiday cooking season now.
- Clean your oven, cooktop and refrigerator so holiday guests will admire your kitchen.
- Clean the dishwasher filters so your dishes will come out sparkly clean for every holiday meal.
- Schedule professional kitchen appliance maintenance to get your fridge, stove and dishwasher in top shape and help avoid unexpected breakdowns in the middle of the holidays.
Pro tip: Annual professional maintenance also helps keep your appliances lasting longer.
Relax and Enjoy
With this fall checklist, you’re not just getting your home ready for cooler weather—you’re protecting your investment and creating a comfortable, safe space for your family.
Now you can kick back in your favorite rocking chair or recliner and enjoy the cooler fall weather with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule HVAC maintenance for fall?
Ideally, schedule your HVAC tune-up in early fall before temperatures drop. This ensures your system runs efficiently and gives you time to address any issues before winter hits.
How do I know if my windows or doors need sealing?
Use a candle or incense stick to detect drafts around window and door frames. If the flame or smoke flickers, it’s time to add caulk or replace weatherstripping.
What should I do with my outdoor furniture in the fall?
Clean and store it indoors if possible. If not, use weatherproof covers to protect it from rain, snow, and ice during the colder months.
How can I make my home more energy-efficient this fall?
Start by sealing leaks, adding attic insulation, using heavy curtains, and upgrading to a smart thermostat. A home energy audit can also pinpoint areas for improvement.
Schedule your HVAC maintenance now!
HVAC checkups from Sears Home Services help keep your heating and cooling system running at its best. Prevent costly repairs and can make your HVAC system more energy efficient with routine maintenance.
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Glossary Terms
The 608 Certification, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is required for HVAC technicians to legally handle refrigerants. It ensures technicians understand refrigerant types, environmental impact, and proper handling techniques.
A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, essential in various systems including refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC units for cooling and refrigeration processes.
A condenser is a component of HVAC and refrigeration systems, responsible for releasing absorbed heat from the refrigerant into the outside air or a water line, thus facilitating the cooling process.
A capacitor in an AC unit is an electrical component that stores and releases electrical energy to help start the motor and stabilize the voltage during operation.
Common Repair HVAC Symptoms
When your Payne central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.
When your ICP central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.
When your Heil central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.
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