Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is the best time to get your home ready for colder weather. The temperatures are comfortable for outdoor work, and fixing small problems now can prevent breakdowns when your heating system and plumbing are working hardest. Use this checklist to work through the essentials.

Heating system

Your heating system is the top priority. Before you need it every day:

• Replace the air filter. A clean filter improves airflow and efficiency.
• Test the system. Turn on the heat and confirm warm air comes from every vent.
• Schedule professional service. An annual tune-up checks burners, igniters, heat exchangers and safety controls.
• Clear around the equipment. Keep the furnace area free of storage, and clear leaves and debris around outdoor heat pump units.
• Check the thermostat. Replace batteries and review your schedule settings.
• Inspect visible ductwork for disconnected sections or gaps.

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before use. Pay attention to strange smells, short cycling or unusual noises during your first few heating days, since those are easier to address now than during a cold snap.

Plumbing and water heater

Cold weather is hard on plumbing. To prepare:

1. Disconnect garden hoses and drain them.
2. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets if they are not frost-proof.
3. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and unheated areas.
4. Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure it turns.
5. Flush your water heater as recommended by the manufacturer to reduce sediment.
6. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit, if you have one.

Roof, gutters and exterior

• Clean gutters and downspouts after most leaves have fallen. Clogs can lead to ice dams and water damage.
• Check downspouts to make sure they direct water away from the foundation.
• Look at the roof from the ground for missing or damaged shingles and loose flashing.
• Trim branches that hang over the roof or near power lines.
• Seal gaps around windows, doors and where pipes or wires enter the house.
• Replace worn weatherstripping to reduce drafts.

Appliances and systems indoors

• Clean the dryer vent and lint trap duct. Lint buildup is a fire hazard and makes your dryer work harder.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils if they are accessible, which helps efficiency.
• Test your garage door opener's auto-reverse safety feature according to the manual.
• Run ceiling fans in reverse at low speed, if your model allows, to push warm air down.
• Check the dishwasher and washer hoses for bulges or cracks.

Safety and outdoor checks

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries as needed.
• Check fire extinguishers for pressure and expiration.
• Make sure exterior lighting works, since days are getting shorter.
• Review your emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water and basic supplies.
• Clean and store patio furniture.
• Winterize pools and spas, or schedule professional closing.
• Drain fuel or add stabilizer to gas-powered equipment, per the manufacturer's directions.
• Rake leaves off the lawn and away from the foundation.

Why maintenance matters for coverage

Most home warranty plans exclude failures caused by lack of maintenance. Keeping a simple log of filter changes, tune-ups and water heater flushes helps show that a system was cared for if you ever need to file a claim. Save receipts from professional service visits, too.

A quick photo of each completed task, with the date, is an easy way to build that record. It also helps you remember when each job was last done, so next fall you know exactly where to start. If you find a problem during your checklist, such as a furnace that will not ignite or a water heater that is leaking, address it before cold weather arrives, when contractors tend to be busiest.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help homeowners compare plans from independent home warranty providers and explain what each one covers, including heating systems, plumbing and appliances. To learn more, visit our home warranty overview or request a free quote at /get-a-quote/.