Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for colder weather. Taking care of small maintenance tasks now can save you costly repairs later and keep your home safe, warm, and efficient all season long.
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, siding, and even your basement. They’re also more prone to rust and corrosion when filled with debris.
-Clear out leaves and debris.
-Install mesh gutter guards to keep them clean longer.
-Ensure downspouts direct water at least 3 to 4 feet away from your foundation.
2. Seal Up Air Leaks
Drafts drive up heating costs and make your home uncomfortable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can save up to 20 percent on heating bills.
-Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping on doors and windows.
-Test with the “paper test” (close a door/window on a sheet of paper – if it slides easily, the seal is weak).
-Use a lit candle to detect drafts near frames (watch the flame flicker).
-Re-caulk gaps around windows, doors, and utility entry points.
-Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows if drafts persist.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements.
-Scan shingles for cracks, curling, or missing pieces.
-Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys for damage.
-Look for excessive shingle granules in gutters (a sign of wear).
-Make sure gutters and downspouts are flowing freely.
4. Protect Outdoor Faucets
Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage.
-Shut off water to exterior faucets and drain the lines.
-Use styrofoam faucet covers if your faucets aren’t freeze-proof.
5. Give Your Furnace a Checkup
Prevent breakdowns during the coldest months.
-Schedule a professional inspection before winter.
-Replace the furnace filter (do this every 1 to 3 months in season).
-Listen for strange noises or uneven heating—signs that service may be needed sooner.
6. Ready Your Fireplace
Even occasional use requires annual maintenance.
-Have your chimney inspected for creosote buildup (a major fire hazard).
-Hire a certified chimney sweep if necessary.
-Check the flue for cracks, blockages, or nests.
7. Inspect Wood Stoves
Wood-burning stoves provide great warmth but require vigilance.
-Examine stovepipes for cracks, corrosion, or loose joints.
-Clean the stovepipe regularly during heating season.
-Inspect the stove body and legs for rust or cracks.
8. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is a great reminder to refresh these life-saving devices.
-Replace batteries and vacuum detectors with a soft brush.
-Test units using the test button or a smoke source (like a blown-out candle).- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.
-Ensure you have at least one CO detector near sleeping areas.
Pro Tip: Do a quick walk-around of your property as well – look for cracks in walkways, loose handrails, and overhanging branches that could break under heavy snow or ice.
Carrie Colby is a Broker with Allied Real Estate, 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. She can be reached at 207-232-5497. <
