🏠 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tasks to Check Off Now
A little weekend effort now can save you hundreds (and a few headaches) later.
As the weather cools and the days get shorter, your home starts working harder — keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable. Before the real chill sets in, take a few hours this weekend to give your house a little tune-up.
Here are 10 quick tasks that most homeowners can handle themselves — no special tools or experience required.
🔧 1️⃣ Change or Clean Your Furnace Filter
Your HVAC system’s been resting all summer — now it’s showtime. A clean filter improves air quality and cuts energy waste. 👉 Write the date on the edge of the new filter so you’ll know when it’s time again.
🔥 2️⃣ Test Smoke and CO Detectors
Press the button, replace the batteries, and confirm you’ve got detectors near bedrooms and gas appliances. Five minutes now = peace of mind all winter.
💦 3️⃣ Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Even one unexpected freeze can burst a pipe. Disconnect, drain, and store hoses — and if possible, shut off the exterior water valve for the season.
🍂 4️⃣ Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves clog drains, water pools, and next thing you know you’ve got leaks. Clean gutters now, or try a gutter-cleaning wand if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground.
💨 5️⃣ Check Door and Window Seals
On a breezy day, run your hand around frames — if you feel cold air, apply weatherstripping or caulk. It’s a small job that can make a big difference in comfort (and your heating bill).
🔁 6️⃣ Reverse Ceiling Fans
Set them to spin clockwise on low speed — it pushes warm air down into living spaces. You’ll feel warmer without cranking the thermostat.
🏚️ 7️⃣ Check the Roof (from the Ground!)
You don’t need to climb up. Use binoculars or your phone camera to spot missing shingles or debris. Catching it early means fewer costly surprises later.
🧺 8️⃣ Clean Dryer Vents
A clogged vent wastes energy and creates a fire risk. Disconnect the hose and vacuum it out, or use a $10 vent brush kit. Clothes will dry faster, too.
🪟 9️⃣ Replace Cracked or Peeling Caulk
Inspect around tubs, sinks, and windows. Old caulk lets in moisture and drafts — fresh silicone keeps things sealed and sanitary.
🔍 🔟 Give Your Furnace a Quick Look
Remove the front cover and inspect for rust, soot, or weird smells. If anything seems off, schedule a tune-up before you’re relying on it 24/7.
🧰 SolvedHome’s Takeaway
You don’t have to do all 10 in a day — just start. Pick two or three this weekend, then a couple more next. By the end of the month, your home will be cleaner, safer, and ready for winter.