Prepare Your Home for Fall to Prevent Winter Damage

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Drain and store hoses; shut off and bleed exterior faucets to prevent bursts.
• Clean gutters and downspouts, tightening joints to avoid roof leaks and ice dams.
• Seal attic insulation gaps around pipes and wiring to stop heat loss and rodents.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, replacing batteries for heating safety.
• Schedule furnace inspection and replace filters to improve heating efficiency.
• Check attic and crawlspace vents for blockages that trap moisture.
• Inspect weatherstripping on exterior doors for gaps that raise heating costs.
• Reverse ceiling fan direction to clockwise to push warm air down.
• Examine chimney cap and flue for blockages or nests before first fireplace use.
• Apply silicone caulk to foundation cracks to block cold air and pests.
• Lubricate window tracks and locks to prevent freezing shut in cold weather.
• Test sump pump with water to confirm it works before heavy rains or snowmelt.