🍂 Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is a great time to take care of a few preventative maintenance items around your home. A little attention now can help prevent costly repairs, improve efficiency, and prepare your home for cooler weather.

🏠 Exterior

☐ Clean gutters and downspouts — Remove leaves and debris and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
☐ Inspect the roof — Look for damaged or missing shingles, flashing issues, and signs of leaks.
☐ Check exterior caulking — Inspect around windows, doors, siding penetrations, and other openings.
☐ Inspect your foundation — Look for new or changing cracks and areas where water may collect near the home.
☐ Trim trees and branches — Remove dead limbs and branches that could damage the roof during storms or high winds.
☐ Check exterior lighting — With shorter days approaching, replace burned-out bulbs and make sure walkways are well lit.

❄️ HVAC & Plumbing

☐ Schedule HVAC maintenance — Have your heating system inspected before you actually need it.
☐ Replace your HVAC filter — Check the manufacturer's recommendation for the appropriate replacement schedule.
☐ Test the heat — Run your heating system before the first cold front arrives.
☐ Inspect exposed plumbing — Identify outdoor or exposed pipes that may need protection when freezing temperatures arrive.
☐ Check outdoor faucets — Inspect hose bibs for leaks and know where your home's main water shutoff is located.

🔥 Safety

☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — Replace batteries as needed and check the manufacturer's recommended replacement age for each device.
☐ Inspect your fireplace and chimney — If you use a wood-burning fireplace, consider a professional inspection and cleaning before the season.
☐ Check fire extinguishers — Make sure they are accessible and have not expired or lost pressure.
☐ Review your emergency supplies — Flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and basic supplies are useful to have before winter weather.

🏡 Around the House

☐ Check windows and doors for drafts — Replace worn weatherstripping and address gaps that allow conditioned air to escape.
☐ Clean your dryer vent — Lint buildup can reduce efficiency and create a fire hazard.
☐ Inspect your water heater — Check for visible leaks, corrosion, or other signs that service may be needed.
☐ Reverse ceiling fans — When appropriate, clockwise operation at a low speed can help circulate warm air during cooler months.
☐ Clean refrigerator coils — Removing accumulated dust can help your refrigerator operate efficiently.

🌳 Central Texas Fall To-Do List

☐ Winterize your irrigation system as needed and know how to shut off or protect vulnerable components before a freeze.
☐ Check sprinkler heads and irrigation leaks after a long, hot summer.
☐ Refresh mulch around landscaping to help protect roots and retain moisture.
☐ Inspect fences and gates for loose boards, posts, or hardware.
☐ Prepare for the first freeze — Have outdoor faucet covers and pipe insulation available before temperatures drop.

📋 One More Smart Homeowner Habit

Fall is also a good time to update your home maintenance records. Keep receipts and documentation for major repairs, HVAC servicing, roof work, appliances, warranties, and improvements. Good records can be valuable when maintaining your home—and eventually when it comes time to sell.

A few hours of preventative maintenance each season can help protect one of your largest investments: your home.