Handy Home Maintenance Checklist for the Fall

Fall is the perfect “in-between” season — you’re wrapping up summer projects while getting your home ready for colder weather. With freezing temps, snow, and heavy rain just around the corner, now’s the time to prep your home and avoid costly winter damage.

Use this simple checklist to help protect your home and give yourself peace of mind heading into the colder months:

Heating & Safety

• Service your furnace
  Have your heating system inspected annually (or at least every other year) to catch problems early and ensure it’s running efficiently. Make sure heating vents are clear and not blocked by furniture or rugs.

• Replace air filters
  Dirty filters make your system work harder, which raises your bills and shortens the system’s life.

• Seal windows & doors
  Check for leaks and drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air in and cold air out.

• Check your fireplace & chimney
  Schedule a professional chimney cleaning if you haven’t had one this year. Clear out soot and creosote buildup to prevent fire hazards.

• Test smoke & CO detectors
  Replace batteries and test all alarms to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Need help with your heating system?

We recommend Pat Pisani from Magnum Heating & Cooling
📞 (732) 616-9939 | 🌐 magnumheatingandcooling.com

Electrical Checks

• Inspect outdoor lighting
  Shorter days mean you’ll rely more on exterior lights. Make sure everything is working and replace bulbs if needed.

• Test GFCI outlets
  Especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Fall storms and moisture can cause issues if they’re not working properly.

• Update older wiring or outlets
  If you’ve noticed flickering lights, warm outlets, or tripped breakers, fall is a great time to have an electrician take a look.

👷‍♂️ Need a licensed electrician you can trust?
Call Christopher Paterno at LPC Electrical
📞 (917) 753-8740 | 🌐 lpcelectrical.com

Small Fixes & Handyman Help

• Fix drafty doors, loose railings, or cracked caulk
  These little things add up. Taking care of them now can prevent heat loss and bigger repair bills later.

• Inspect your deck or porch
  Check for rotting wood, loose boards, or exposed nails.

• Replace worn weatherstripping
  A quick fix that can make a big difference in comfort and energy savings.

🛠️ Need a reliable local handyman?
We recommend Matthew Tomo from Navesink Handyman
📞 (732) 859-3324 | 🌐 navesinkhandyman.com

Water Systems

• Flush your hot water heater
  Sediment builds up over time, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Draining it once a year helps keep things running smoothly.

• Drain outdoor faucets & hoses
  Turn off outdoor water, flush out garden hoses, and store them to avoid frozen pipes. Don’t forget to winterize your sprinkler system if you have one.

• Test your sump pump
  Pour water into the pit to ensure it kicks on. It’s a small task that can prevent major basement flooding.

Outdoor Maintenance

• Clean gutters & downspouts
  Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in winter. Clean out leaves and debris now to keep water flowing.

• Inspect your roof
  Look for missing shingles, signs of wear, or soft spots. If you spot anything concerning, schedule a repair before winter sets in.

• Seal driveway cracks
  Water expands when it freezes. Sealing cracks in your driveway or walkway now can prevent larger issues later.

• Trim trees and shrubs
  Cut back branches that hang over your roof or near power lines. This reduces the risk of storm damage.

• Store outdoor furniture & décor
  Clean and cover patio furniture, grills, and decorations so they’re ready for spring.

Winter Prep & Emergency Supplies

• Check snow removal tools
  Do a quick inventory of shovels, snow blowers, and sidewalk salt. It’s better to have them ready now than scramble during the first storm!

• Clean your dryer vent
  Fall is a great time to remove lint from your dryer vent and ductwork to reduce fire risk and improve efficiency.

Bonus Tip: Review Your Insurance Coverage

As you’re prepping your home for the season, it’s also a great time to review your homeowners policy. You may qualify for discounts if your home is well maintained — and it’s always smart to make sure you have the right protection in place.

📞 Give us a call at (732) 566-0003 or send us a message — we’re happy to help!

Checklist adapted from www.artofmanliness.com