Fall Home Maintenance in New England: A Checklist for winter-prep and energy-efficiency

Updated September 20, 2024  |   Published September 16, 2024

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As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months. Homeowners in New England know that winter storms can bring snow, sleet, hail, and high winds. Regular home maintenance can help prevent problems, reduce costs on energy bills, and ensure your home is comfortable and safe throughout the season. Here’s a fall home maintenance checklist of essential tasks to complete while the weather is still mild.

 

Exterior Maintenance

 

Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear

When the leaves fall, they often land right on your roof and gutters. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves or debris and check for any signs of damage. Clogged gutters or damaged downspouts can cause water damage by not properly diverting water away from your home. You don’t want to be dealing with a mold issue.

Inspect roof

Inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or signs of damage. In New England it’s especially important to prepare your roof for holding heavy snow and prevent water from leaking inside. Consider having a professional roofer check for any potential issues.

Clean your chimney

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you’ll likely be using it a lot in the winter. Have your chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.

Seal any openings around windows or in siding

Inspect and re-caulk any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and foundation to prevent drafts and water infiltration. Look for holes in your siding that could allow animals or bugs to take shelter in your house. Mice can fit through a hole as small as ¼ of an inch wide. They will be looking for a warm place to stay! If you’re wondering what are the best ways to make your home energy efficient, check out this article.

Winterize outdoor faucets

Disconnect and empty your garden hoses for storage. Cover outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage. You can do this by wrapping the faucet with fabric or an old t-shirt (several layers if possible), then secure with a plastic bag as the final layer. Consider insulating any exposed pipes inside your house as well.

 

Interior Maintenance

 

Inspect heating system

Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional to ensure it’s working efficiently and safely. This should be done on a yearly basis. Make sure your furnace filter is changed and refreshed for the new season. Remove any window AC units if you haven’t done so already. You won’t be needing them anymore.

Check attic insulation

Check the insulation in your attic and walls. Having a properly insulated attic prevents the cold from coming in and heat from getting out. It also prevents heat from melting the snow on your roof and causing ice dams – snow that melts into your gutters and then freezes causing a blockage. The melting snow can also cause walls of icicles to hang off your roof which is dangerous to those walking below.

Weatherstripping

Replace worn or damaged weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and energy loss.

Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors

Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace the batteries if necessary. It is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association that you replace your smoke alarm batteries every 6 months. Make it easy to remember by changing them at the same time you move your clocks forward and back.

 

Yard Work

 

Prune trees and shrubs

Remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to prevent them from falling during storms. Make sure your home is protected in the event of an incident with WebFirst Insurance.

Lawn care

Rake up fallen leaves and prepare your lawn for winter dormancy by fertilizing and aerating it.

Clean up your garden

Remove any dead plants, weeds, and debris from your garden beds. This will make weeding planting new seeds in the spring much easier for you.

Winterize Outdoor Furniture

Store or cover outdoor furniture and equipment to protect it from the elements. Patio furniture is not cheap and protecting it will ensure it doesn’t break or lose any of its durability.

By completing these autumn home maintenance tasks, you can help ensure your home is well-prepared for the winter season and enjoy a comfortable, worry-free winter.

Want to learn more? You might also enjoy How to save money on your winter energy bills.