Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

By the Mercury Team

As the seasons start to change, it’s the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months by getting ahead on your home maintenance. Tackling a few tasks now can help you reduce energy costs and avoid property damage during winter, allowing you and your family to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Follow our fall home preparation checklist and learn tips on cleaning gutters, sealing cracks, and more.

Why Fall Home Maintenance Matters

When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, your home starts working overtime to keep you comfortable. The change in weather can uncover little problems you might not have noticed over the summer, like a leaky gutter, a draft sneaking through the windows, or a few missing shingles. Taking care of these small fixes now can spare you from bigger, more expensive problems once winter hits.

Taking a weekend to check these boxes can save money on energy bills and make sure your home is ready for whatever the colder months bring.

Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof and gutters take the brunt of fall rain and winter weather, so they deserve some attention. Inspect and clean them now to prevent leaks, ice dams, and costly water damage later.

Roof Inspection Checklist

• Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, especially after summer storms.
• Check for loose flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys.
• If you notice dark spots, sagging, or moss buildup, consider scheduling a professional roof inspection.

Gutter Maintenance

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing properly.
• Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation to prevent seepage and basement leaks.
• Install or clean gutter guards to reduce buildup and make seasonal cleaning easier.

Seal Windows and Doors

Small gaps around your windows and doors can let in cold air and drive up your heating bill once temperatures start to drop. Here’s how to find and fix those leaks so your home stays warm and efficient all season long.

How to Check for Drafts

• On a breezy day, run your hand along window frames and door edges. If you feel cool air, there’s a leak.
• Inspect caulking and weatherstripping for cracks, peeling, or missing sections.
• Have someone shine a light from the outside. If you can see it from indoors, it’s time to reseal.

Quick Fixes

• Replace worn weatherstripping and apply a fresh bead of caulk where needed.
• Add door sweeps to block cold air from sneaking in underneath.
• Use thermal curtains or window film for extra insulation and to reduce heat loss.

Service Your Heating System

When the temperature starts to drop, the last thing you want is for your HVAC system to go out of commission. Make sure your furnace or heating system is running safely and efficiently before you really need it.

Heating Maintenance Tips

• Schedule a professional tune-up to inspect your furnace, boiler, or heat pump for any issues.
• Replace or clean air filters every one to three months to maintain airflow and indoor air quality.
• Check vents and registers to ensure nothing’s blocking heat circulation.
• Test your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly, or consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better energy control.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you start using your furnace or fireplace again, working carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are a must for keeping your family safe.

Home Safety To-Do List

• Test each detector and pop in fresh batteries. Don’t wait until you hear that low-battery chirp.
• Make sure there’s a device on every floor, especially near bedrooms and main living areas.
• Check the age of each unit. Most should be replaced every 7 to 10 years.

It’s best to test your detectors twice a year (once in the fall and again in the spring), so you’re always protected from fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Clean and Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney

Before you light that first cozy fire of the season, take a few minutes to make sure your fireplace and chimney are ready to go.

Fireplace and Chimney To-Do List

• Clear out soot and creosote buildup from the firebox and flue to reduce the risk of chimney fires.
• Schedule a professional cleaning before your first fire of the season.
• Check for cracks or loose bricks that could let heat or sparks escape.
• Test the damper to be sure it opens and closes smoothly.
• Inspect the chimney cap to make sure it’s secure and keeps out debris or nesting animals.

Prepare Outdoor Spaces for Cooler Weather

Nobody wants to deal with frozen hoses or damaged decks in January. Take an afternoon this fall to prep your yard and patio so they’re ready for the colder months.

Outdoor Prep Checklist

• Drain and store garden hoses so they don’t freeze or crack.
• Turn off exterior water valves and cover outdoor faucets to protect them from freezing.
• Clean and store patio furniture or cover it to prevent weather damage.
• Check outdoor lighting and replace bulbs so walkways stay bright and safe.
• Rake leaves and clear debris from gutters, lawns, and pathways to prevent clogs and slippery spots.
• Prune trees and trim shrubs away from your roof, siding, and power lines to prevent damage during storms.

Tackle Fall Cleaning Indoors

Fall cleaning may not be as famous as spring cleaning, but it’s just as helpful. A quick seasonal tidy-up keeps your home fresh and ready for family gatherings and cozy nights in.

Indoor Fall Cleaning Checklist

• Vacuum vents, ceiling fans, and baseboards to clear out dust that’s built up over the summer.
• Clean carpets and upholstery to get rid of pollen, pet hair, dirt, and other summer residue.
• Dust light fixtures and blinds to brighten up your rooms.
• Declutter closets, pantries, and garages to make space for coats, decorations, and holiday supplies.
• Wipe down appliances and change air filters so everything runs efficiently when you’re spending more time indoors.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior and Foundation

Wind, rain, and freezing temperatures can all sneak in through small cracks or gaps, which can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior and foundation. Here’s what you can do this fall:

Exterior Inspection Checklist

• Walk the perimeter of your home and look for cracks, gaps, or spots where water tends to pool near the foundation.
• Seal openings in siding, brick, or stucco to keep out moisture and pests.
• Tighten loose railings, steps, or deck boards before icy weather makes them slippery.
• Touch up caulking and paint on doors, windows, and trim to keep moisture from seeping in.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Once you’ve checked off your fall maintenance tasks, it’s a good idea to take a fresh look at your homeowners insurance policy. Here’s what you should do:

Insurance Review Checklist

• Confirm your policy details reflect any recent home improvements or upgrades.
• Review coverage limits for common cold-weather issues like roof leaks, burst pipes, and wind damage.
• Understand your deductible so you know what to expect before filing a claim.
• Ask your agent about additional protection for risks like flooding, equipment breakdown, or wildfires if they apply in your area.

“We see more weather-related claims during the colder months,” says Bonnie Lee, VP, Homeowner Claims at Mercury Insurance. “A quick policy review in the fall can make sure you’re covered for things like burst pipes or roof leaks before the season’s first big storm hits.”

Conclusion & Call to Action

While the unexpected can happen anytime, these fall home maintenance tips can help lessen your chances of disaster and filing a claim. If you’re looking for reliable homeowners insurance, you’ve come to the right place. Mercury offers best-in-class coverage at an affordable rate.

Contact us for a fast, free quote today!