Fall home maintenance checklist: get ready for cold weather

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Fall gives you a window of mild weather to get the house ready before the cold arrives. Gutters full of leaves, a hose left on the spigot, or a furnace nobody has looked at since last March are the usual starting points for winter trouble.

Spread this list over two or three weekends, starting in early fall and finishing before your area's first hard freeze. Book furnace or chimney service early, because technicians get busy once the first cold snap hits. Each task you tick stays checked when you come back.

Outside

Clean the gutters after most leaves fall Clogged gutters overflow, and in cold climates they can feed ice dams. See clean gutters safely.
Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses The Red Cross notes that a hose left attached can trap water that freezes back into the pipe.
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets Close the indoor valve that feeds each one, then open the outdoor faucet so water can drain. See prevent frozen pipes.
Winterize the sprinkler system Drain it the way the maker or installer directs. Many systems need a pro to blow out the lines.
Look over the roof from the ground Spot missing shingles or loose flashing before winter storms. Call a roofer for anything up top.
Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter the house The Department of Energy suggests caulking these leaks to cut drafts, and it keeps mice out too.
Put away or cover outdoor furniture and the grill Wind and snow are hard on them, and loose items can blow into windows.

Heating

Schedule a heating system inspection The CPSC recommends having a professional inspect fuel-burning heating systems, including chimneys, flues and vents, every year.
Have the chimney checked before your first fire That same yearly inspection covers fireplaces and wood stoves.
Replace the furnace filter Start the season fresh and check it monthly after that. See change your HVAC filter.
Test the heat before you need it Turn it on for a few minutes on a cool day. A burning-dust smell the first time is common and should fade quickly.
Set a heating schedule on the thermostat The Department of Energy says turning it back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year. With a heat pump, only do this if your thermostat is made for heat pumps. See thermostat not working.
Switch ceiling fans to clockwise on low This nudges warm air down from the ceiling.
Check space heaters before using them The CPSC says keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn and plug them straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip.

Drafts and plumbing

Check weatherstripping on doors and windows The Department of Energy notes sealing air leaks can make a real dent in heating bills.
Close and lock every window Locking pulls the sash tight. If one won't close, see fix a sticking window.
Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces The Red Cross suggests pipe insulation or UL-listed heat tape in garages, crawl spaces and attics.
Find and test your main water shutoff If a pipe does freeze and split, you'll want to stop the water in seconds. See find your water shutoff.
Look around the water heater for leaks It works harder in winter. Rust or puddles at the base mean it's time to call a plumber.

Safety

Test smoke and CO alarms Test monthly, and replace standard batteries at least once a year, according to the USFA and CPSC.
Check the date on each smoke alarm The USFA says replace the whole alarm 10 years from its manufacture date. CO alarms have their own replacement date on the label.
Clean the dryer lint screen and vent hood Fall leaves and nests can block the outside flap. Make sure it opens when the dryer runs.
Stock winter supplies Flashlights, batteries, ice melt and a snow shovel are easier to find in October than during a storm.

Add these to your phone with our free maintenance calendar so next fall comes with a reminder. For furnace service, chimney work or a roof repair you would rather not tackle, we can match you with a local pro.

Common questions

When should I shut off my outdoor faucets?

Before the first hard freeze in your area. Close the indoor valve that feeds each outdoor faucet, disconnect the hose, then open the outdoor faucet so trapped water can drain.

Does my furnace really need a yearly inspection?

The CPSC recommends a yearly professional inspection of fuel-burning heating systems, including chimneys, flues and vents, to catch carbon monoxide risks. Electric systems benefit from regular service too; follow the maker's schedule.

Which way should my ceiling fan turn in winter?

Clockwise at a low speed. The Department of Energy notes this gently pushes warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the room.