2022 fall home maintenance checklist | America's Preferred Home Warranty Skip to main content

2022 fall home maintenance checklist

Fall has officially begun, and for many, it feels like there are still a million things left to do. Have no fear—our checklist will help you get your home ready for fall, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the winter months ahead.

STEP 1: Create or download a checklist

Making a checklist should be your first step in prepping your home for fall. Not only will a checklist help you stay organized, but it will also save you lots of time and headaches.

To help you get started, America's Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) has assembled a list of do-it-yourself maintenance tasks that can help your home run safely and efficiently all season long.

Download our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist PDF for a printer-friendly version.

Brick home surrounded by fall colors and fallen leaves

STEP 2: Exterior fall maintenance

Now that fall is here, it's time to start thinking about ways to prepare your home for the colder months. One of the most important steps is to perform exterior maintenance tasks that can help keep your home in good condition and help you avoid costly and inconvenient repairs.

  • Examine your home's foundation, exterior walls, and driveway for cracks and openings that can cause more damage due to freeze or mold buildup; fill any cracks and openings with durable urethane caulk
  • Clean your home's gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris; repair or replace any damaged or missing gutters or downspouts
  • Inspect your roof to locate and replace any damaged or missing shingles
  • Clean and cover your pool; be sure to replace your pool cover if it is damaged or worn
  • Clean and cover outdoor furniture (including your grill) or move these items into your shed or garage for safe keeping
  • Inspect your home and vehicle emergency kits to see what needs to be replaced, including batteries and over-the-counter medication
  • Check doors, windows, and baseboards for drafts; fill any drafts you locate with caulk or spray foam
  • Cover A/C window units or bring them inside for the season

A man uses a snowblower on his driveway

Prepare ahead for winter

Here are a few things you can do to get your home ready for the snowy season during the fall months.

  • Organize: Put ice melt, snow shovels, and other snow and ice removal tools in an easily accessible place ahead of the first snow
  • Plan ahead: Make sure your home insurance policy is up to date in case a fall storm causes serious damage
  • Check snow blowers and generators to make sure they're functioning properly
  • Add emergency and must-have fall staples to your grocery list, such as bottled water, canned beans, baking ingredients, tea, and holiday supplies

A rake cuts through fallen leaves on a lawn

STEP 3: Lawn and garden fall maintenance

Fall is a great time to take stock of your lawn and garden and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

  • Inspect your lawn for patches of dead grass; reseed these areas as needed
  • Rake up leaves, twigs, and other debris to help your lawn grow healthier when spring arrives
  • Prune trees and shrubs as needed; be sure to remove any dead branches
  • Fertilize your lawn and garden using a product that is made for the season
  • Remove tree limbs that hang near power lines, your roof, or over a space where cars are parked; these should be cut back to reduce the risk of damage during a storm
  • Remove, drain, and store all garden hoses and watering equipment to prevent freezing damage
  • Drain and winterize your sprinkler or irrigation system to prevent freezing damage
  • Prep your lawn mower and other gas-powered equipment for storage to prevent rust and damage that can occur over fall and winter

Someone lounges with their feet close to a warm gas fireplace

STEP 4: Interior fall maintenance

In addition to maintaining your home’s exterior, here are a few things you can do to prepare for fall indoors, so you can enjoy the falling leaves and colder weather without worrying about your home.

  • Maintain your HVAC system and furnace to ensure it's in good working condition
  • Replace your home air filters; if you have allergies, consider replacing your old filter with a HEPA filter
  • Inspect and clean your gas fireplace or have it done by a professional before the winter season begins
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they rotate clockwise, which helps push warm air down from the ceiling
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're working properly; replace any batteries that are low
  • Seal it up: If you have hardwood floors, have them professionally cleaned and sealed to protect them from winter weather
  • Clean your windows inside and out to let in more light during the shorter days of fall
  • Wash all bedding, curtains, and rugs to get rid of any dust or allergens that have built up over the summer
  • Organize your closets and drawers; donate or sell any clothes that you no longer wear
  • Dust each room from top to bottom, including hard-to-reach places such as ceiling fans and baseboards
  • Clean and empty your fridge and freezer of any expired food to prevent mold or bacteria buildup
  • Check the airflow: If you have an attic, make sure circulation is adequate and that none of the vents are blocked
  • Maintain your home humidifier to keep indoor air comfortable and prevent fine wood from cracking

A woman smiles as she checks her pie in the oven

STEP 5: Enjoy your fall!

Now that your home is all squared away for fall, it's time to sit back and enjoy the season. Make a list of all the fun things you want to do this autumn, from visiting a pumpkin patch to baking pies. And don't forget to schedule some time for relaxing—after all, you've earned it!

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