Fall Maintenance Tips & Checklist With Autumn Bucket List

It is hot and steamy here in Florida, and I’ve been staying inside and keeping busy with projects and home maintenance.  There are some things that I do each fall like changing filters, checking batteries in smoke detectors, CO monitor, etc.  Because it’s so hot, I’m starting early this year.  Depending on where you live in the country, most folks  probably have a couple of months of good weather left before the temperature drops. That means now is a great time to create a plan and take some precautions in getting ready for the new season.  Living in Florida, I don’t have to do a lot of autumn prevention like up north.  When I lived in Michigan, there was a longer list to protect and maintain equipment before the snows came.   Here are some basic tips for fall maintenance. I’m including a printable Fall Maintenance Checklist and Autumn Bucket List for fun. Some of these items may be done now, in September, or even October.  

 Fall Maintenance Checklist

I. Check smoke detectors, CO monitors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kit

Annually protective monitors should be checked and any batteries should be changed. Other protections like the fire extinguisher have an expiration date and should be serviced when required. Review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.

II. Clean your chimney and fireplace

Fall fires and cozy throws are just around the corner.  Clean your fireplace and look up the chimney for sooty buildup and blockages. Check that the damper is working. Call for a professional chimney cleaning when needed.

III. Check your windows & doors

Leaky doors and windows will keep your home colder and your energy bill higher.  Seal cracks and leaks with weather-stripping, caulk, and foam.  If you have storm windows, put the screens away and put up storm windows.

Window film is a cheap product that anyone can purchase online or at the hardware store. It only costs a few dollars, but it can make a massive difference to heat retention. The product is similar to the clingfilm people use for their sandwiches. The idea is to stretch it over the window pane covering all the joins and gaps. Then use a hair dryer or something similar to shrink the film into place. It should then create an airtight seal that prevents drafts and gusts of wind. That is essential for anyone who lives in an old house. Just search online for the best prices, and read the instructions.

FYI, if you live in an old house and you can hear the glass in the wooden windows rattle in the wind, you probably need to reglaze your windows.  When I lived up north, I thought I needed new windows and kept the plastic up in the bedroom most of the year.  Then a family member taught me to reglaze windows and what a difference!  There is a video on reglazing old wooden windows on The Craftsman Blog. Check it out!

IV. Inspect, repair or service the furnace

The last thing anyone needs is for their furnace to stop working when there is snow on the ground. Workers will charge a premium for performing repairs during the winter. So, it makes sense to employ their services during the summer before the temperatures drop. Furnaces might need care and attention for a variety of different reasons like:

• Dirty or clogged filters
• Mechanical wear and tear
• Ignition control issues
• Thermostat malfunctions

V. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts

Prevent overflow by cleaning gutters. The weight of the leaves and dirt in the gutters can pull the gutter away from the house when it is full of water or snow.

VI. Inspect your roof

Go up on the roof or hire a professional to inspect at least once a year.  Check for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents. It’s better to do periodic maintenance than to wait until there’s leak in January.

VII. Cover the pipes with heat tape

There are many reasons people should cover pipework with heat tape during the winter months. First, the product should help to reduce the chances of cracks and leaks. The tape keeps the pipes warm, and so the liquid inside shouldn’t freeze or expand. It’s possible to purchase electric heat tape from most DIY stores these days. So, head into town and take a look around for the lowest prices. Heat tape should:

• Stop water from freezing and expanding
• Reduce the chances of cracks appearing
• Keep the pipework in pristine condition

VIII. Get your garden ready for winter

• Empty unused fuel and store your mower
• Drain and store hoses & sprinklers and turn off outside outdoor faucets
• Cover and/or put away outdoor furniture, a/c,  and grills

Autumn Chores

Whatever you need to do, just create a plan and put it into action during the next
couple of months. It will help in ensuring the entire family is comfortable and stays
warm and cozy this winter.

 

 

 Since we don’t want to miss any of the fall fun, here’s a matching bucket list for
those who want to plan for this wonderful time of year!

 

 

 Autumn Bucket List

 

This post was featured on

As with all my printables, they are for your personal use. Please do not post the image on your own site unless you link back here.

Thanks for the visit. Get exclusive free printables & all the news straight to your mailbox!

Please see my Link Parties page for the parties where this post was shared.