Home maintenance reminders

Fall is here, and we’re moving to winter. Below are a few home maintenance reminders to put on your to-do list before we get into the holidays.

Weatherproofing and energy

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Inspect roof edges and flashings for lifted shingles or cracked sealant
• Re-caulk/foam around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations
• Repair or install door sweeps and weatherstripping—don’t forget your garage door bottom seal

Heating and indoor air

• Run the furnace 10–15 minutes and listen for odd noises or odors
• Clear 3 ft around the furnace and returns
• Replace/clean HVAC filter

Outdoors

• Trim branches away from roof and power drop
• Sweep patios, check for standing water; re-slope or clear French drains
• Seal cracks in walkways and driveways before heavy rain comes (hopefully)
• Store or cover outdoor furniture and cushions

Garden

• Plant cool-season herbs and greens
• Mulch beds (2–3 inches) to hold moisture
• Prune lightly (major pruning waits until true dormancy later in winter)
• Set irrigation to “rain mode” or reduce to winter schedule

Kitchen prep for holidays

• Deep-clean oven now (avoid self-clean right before big meals)
• Sharpen knives
• Check cooking thermometers

Fireplaces

• Sweep chimney
• Check damper
• Inspect burner, pilot, and CO alarms nearby.

EV charger: Inspect cable for nicks; test GFCI protection.

Solar: Visual check for debris; schedule pro cleaning if significantly soiled.

Pool/spa: Lower run time, balance chemicals, cover securely.