The Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Preparing for the Cold
Autumn is arguably the most critical season for home maintenance. The goal is simple: prepare your home for winter. Taking these steps now prevents drafts, protects your plumbing from freezing, and ensures your heating system is ready for the first cold snap. This is the most important list when it comes to preparing your home for winter.
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Windows and Doors: Check for drafts by holding a lit incense stick near window and door frames; if the smoke wavers, you have an air leak. Apply or replace weatherstripping around doors and use caulk to seal gaps around window frames. This simple task can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort.
Attic Insulation: Look in your attic. Is the insulation level and evenly distributed? Can you see the tops of the floor joists? If so, you likely need more. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside during the winter.
Exterior Faucets: Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets from the interior shut-off valve. Then, open the outside spigot to drain any remaining water. This prevents leftover water from freezing, expanding, and bursting the pipe.
Heating Systems and Fire Safety
Furnace/Boiler Service: This is one of the most important tasks to delegate. Schedule a professional service for your heating system. A technician will clean the unit, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
Chimney and Flue: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney professionally swept and inspected to remove creosote buildup, a common cause of chimney fires.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Switch the direction of your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This will pull cool air up and push the warm air that collects near the ceiling down into the room, helping you feel warmer.
A Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Seniors
For older adults, safety and accessibility are paramount. The fall checklist can be modified to be more manageable.
Focus on Low-Level Tasks: Checking weatherstripping, programming a thermostat for energy savings, and testing smoke alarms are easily done from the ground.
Delegate High-Level Work: Gutter cleaning and roof inspections should always be hired out. Ladder falls are a significant risk. Ask family, a trusted neighbor, or a professional handyman service for help.
Prepare for Emergencies: Ensure your emergency kit is accessible without needing to lift heavy items or reach high shelves. Have flashlights with fresh batteries in easy-to-reach places. Review your emergency plan. You can find excellent resources for building a kit at Ready.gov.
Use Accessible Tools: A long-handled “leaf grabber” can help with light yard cleanup without bending. Use a lightweight, wheeled cart to move bags of leaves or other supplies.
