The Essential Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As the vibrant colours of autumn begin to fill the trees and cooler temperatures settle in, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Fall home maintenance not only helps protect your property from seasonal wear and tear but also ensures your heating system is ready to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long. Continue reading for nine tasks you should include on your fall maintenance checklist to make sure your home  keeps running smoothly.  

9 Fall Home Maintenance Tips 

1. Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation

Gaps or cracks around windows, doors and other openings create drafts that can make your heating system work harder. Walk around your home and hold a wet hand near suspected areas to see if you feel cold air coming through.  

Tip: Replace worn weatherstripping and apply caulk where needed.  

Result:  Fewer cold spots in your home. 

2. Tune Up Your Heating System 

Replace furnace filters every three months—or at minimum before the start and after the end of the cold season—to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. See our blog on furnace maintenance tips for other steps you can take in the fall and all year round to help keep your heating system in good shape. 

Tip: Schedule a professional furnace inspection before the first cold snap or view this video to learn how to replace your furnace filter, yourself! 
Result: Improved performance, longer furnace lifespan and reduced risk of breakdowns. 

3. Check Fireplaces, Smoke Alarms, and Fire Safety Equipment 

If your home has a fireplace, clean and inspect the chimney to avoid blockages in vents that could create fire hazards. Test all smoke alarms, replace the batteries, and confirm none are past their expiration dates. 

Tip: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and near kitchens, for the fastest warning in case of fire. 

Result: Better fire safety and peace of mind during heating season. 

4. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up indoors during heating season, making detectors essential for every home. Test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly, replace the batteries, and confirm the units themselves haven’t expired (typically every 7–10 years). 

Bonus: Upgrade to smart carbon monoxide alarms that connect to your phone, so you’ll get alerts immediately—even if you’re not at home. 

Result: Stronger protection against carbon monoxide poisoning and greater peace of mind for your family. 

5. Clean Gutters and Trim Trees 

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams. Clear them of leaves and debris, and trim any overhanging tree branches that could fall during storms. 

Tip: Install gutter guards to minimize future clogs. 

Result: Protection from roof, siding and foundation damage. 

6. Protect Pipes and Outdoor Fixtures 

Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off outdoor faucets and insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursting. 

Bonus: Use foam faucet covers for quick, reusable winter protection. 

Result: Fewer plumbing emergencies and costly repairs. 

7. Rake Leaves Away from Key Areas

Rake leaves away from downspouts, vent pipes, gas meters and walking areas to prevent blockages and keep these areas clear. Otherwise, leaves can stay on your lawn. Fallen leaves provide a natural habitat for many pollinators and other insects, and release nutrients into soil that nourish your perennials and other plants. 

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Flip the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate the blades clockwise at a low speed. This redistributes warm air trapped near the ceiling. 

Tip: Look for the tiny switch on the motor housing of your fan. 
Result: Improved heat circulation and potential energy savings. 

9. Create a Fall Maintenance Routine 

Make a habit of doing seasonal home checkups, like replacing filters, testing alarms and clearing outdoor debris. Your Enercare Advantage plan and Heating Maintenance Plans you may have with Enercare provide free checkups and support. Book your appointment today! 

Tip: Set recurring reminders on your phone or calendar for seasonal tasks. 
Result: A safer, more energy-efficient home with fewer surprise repairs. 

Fall Clean Up Checklist: When to Call a Pro

Count On Enercare for Your Fall Maintenance 

Tackling these simple yet important tasks now will help you stay warm, safe and energy-efficient all winter long. While many fall maintenance tasks—such as sealing drafts, cleaning gutters and replacing furnace filters—can be done on your own, there’s no substitute for professional support. With Enercare’s comprehensive Heating Maintenance plans, you gain peace of mind with a detailed up to 22‑point inspection that covers energy efficiency, air quality and CO safety, tailored to your system’s age and needs. Let Enercare help you avoid winter surprises, keep your system running smoothly, and extend the lifespan of your home comfort solutions. Book your fall inspection today.