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Fall Home Maintenance: Do This Before Winter to Avoid Costly Repairs
Fall is officially here! Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and pumpkin everything. Before the holidays take over, carve out a few weekends for some fall home maintenance. These tasks will not only protect your home through the winter but can also boost its value if you’re planning to sell.
I’m Patricia Omishakin, your local Smyrna Realtor, and this guide combines practical homeowner tips with real estate insights to help you get the most out of your home, whether you’re staying or selling.
Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Seal Up Air Leaks
Before cold air starts seeping into your home, take time to inspect all exterior doors and windows. Drafty areas often lead to higher utility bills and make your HVAC system work harder. Use a lit candle or incense stick near edges if the flame or smoke moves, that’s a sign of a leak. Reseal gaps using fresh caulk around windows and apply new weatherstripping to doors to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Protect Outdoor Faucets, Pipes, and Hoses
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter disasters and they’re easily preventable. Start by disconnecting, draining, and storing all outdoor hoses. Then, shut off the water supply to exterior spigots and install insulated faucet covers to protect them from freezing temperatures. For exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages, attics, or crawlspaces, wrap them in foam sleeves or use heat tape. These steps help prevent pipe bursts and costly water damage once the temperature drops.
3. Inspect the Furnace
Your heating system is about to be working overtime. Check the air filter first, if it’s dusty or discolored, replace it. Then schedule a professional inspection or tune-up for your furnace or heat pump. A technician can check for gas leaks, clean internal components, and ensure the unit is running efficiently, which could extend its life and lower your monthly bills.
4. Check the Fireplace
There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly fall night, but safety comes first. If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned recently, hire a professional to inspect it and sweep out creosote buildup. Also, ensure your damper opens and closes properly and stock up on dry firewood. If you use a gas fireplace, test the pilot light and schedule service if needed.
5. Check the Roof for Damage
Walk the perimeter of your home and look for signs of roof damage like missing shingles, lifted flashing, sagging spots, or debris buildup. Use binoculars for a closer view if you’re not getting up there yourself. If anything looks questionable, hire a licensed roofer for a more thorough inspection. Proactive roof maintenance helps avoid leaks, mold, and insulation issues during winter storms.
6. Clean Gutters
Once most of the leaves have fallen, clear out your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water overflow. Blocked gutters can lead to foundation damage, wood rot, or ice dams in winter. Scoop out debris by hand or with a gutter tool, then flush with a garden hose to ensure proper drainage. While you’re up there, check that gutters are securely attached and sloping properly.
7. Test Smoke & CO2 Detectors
Fall is a great reminder to check the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These life-saving devices are often overlooked until it’s too late. Dust them off and press the test button on each unit to confirm they’re working. Replace any units over 10 years old, and make sure you have a working detector on every floor and near every sleeping area.
8. Check Fire Extinguishers
Most people forget about their fire extinguisher until they really need it. Make sure yours is in an accessible location (typically the kitchen or utility area), fully charged, and within the expiration date. Check the pressure gauge and look for any signs of wear or corrosion. If it’s expired or damaged, replace it with a new unit rated for both kitchen and general home use.
9. Change Air Filters
Your HVAC filter should be changed every 30–90 days, especially during heavy-use seasons like fall and winter. A clean filter helps maintain healthy indoor air quality and keeps your system running efficiently. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to change it more frequently. Stock up on filters now so you don’t run out when the cold weather hits.
10. Flush the Water Heater
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and causing strange noises. Flushing the tank once a year removes this sediment and helps your heater run better and last longer. Turn off the power or gas supply first, attach a hose to the drain valve, and run water into a bucket or outdoors until it flows clear. If you’re unsure how, hire a plumber to handle it safely.
11. Clean Kitchen Exhaust Hood and Filter
The range hood filter collects grease and debris over time, which can become a fire hazard if not cleaned. Remove the filter, soak it in warm soapy water or run it through the dishwasher, and wipe down the hood exterior. Keeping this clean not only improves air quality while cooking, but also reduces lingering odors in your home—a bonus if you’re planning showings.
12. Trim Trees and Shrubs Away From the House
Branches that touch your roof or siding can cause damage during wind or ice storms, and give pests easy access to your home. Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs so they’re at least 3 feet away from your structure. It also improves sunlight exposure and curb appeal. This is key if you plan to list your home this fall or winter.
13. Inspect and Re-Caulk Windows and Doors
Even if your weatherstripping is solid, cracked or shrinking caulk around window and door frames can let cold air in and warm air out. Use a putty knife to remove old caulk, then apply a fresh bead of weatherproof exterior caulk. This is a quick, inexpensive fix that can make a big difference in comfort and energy bills.
14. Aerate and Overseed Your Lawn
Fall is prime time to improve your lawn’s health and appearance—especially if you’re thinking of selling in the spring. Aerating punches small holes in the soil to help water and nutrients reach the roots. Overseeding fills in bare spots and helps you grow thicker, greener grass. Together, these steps improve curb appeal and create a strong foundation for spring growth.
15. Inspect the Attic for Leaks
Go beyond the roof’s surface—check your attic for signs of moisture. Look for dark spots, water stains, musty odors, or damp insulation, especially near chimneys and skylights. Early detection allows you to seal up minor issues before winter weather causes more serious damage.
16. Clean the Dryer Vent
Even if you clean the lint trap after each use, lint builds up inside your dryer vent over time. This buildup reduces efficiency and is a serious fire risk. Have your vent professionally cleaned, or use a dryer vent cleaning kit to clear out any debris. It’s a fast, worthwhile safety upgrade.
Bonus Tips for Sellers: Make It Cozy and Market-Ready
If you’re planning to sell this winter or early spring, fall is the perfect time to prep. Here’s how to boost buyer appeal:
- Brighten dark corners with soft lighting and floor lamps.
- Create a cozy atmosphere with warm blankets, seasonal scents, and soft textures.
- Minimize holiday décor so buyers focus on the home.
- Keep your exterior tidy with swept porches, clean windows, and trimmed landscaping.
- Clear pathways of debris or snow for safe and easy access.
Ready to Tackle Fall (and Sell Smarter)?
Whether you’re preparing for winter or prepping to sell, this fall maintenance checklist will help protect your investment and possibly increase your home’s value.
📲 Call or text me at 615-730-0037
🌐 Or visit PatriciaOmishakin.com to start a conversation today.
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