Fall Home Prep Tips for the Changing Seasons

Fall brings campfires and changing leaves, but it also brings more debris and colder temperatures. As the seasons change, your home needs to be prepared! Start prepping your home for winter so that when those low temps hit, you’ll be warm and ready for the snow to fall!

Outside

1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Clearing out gutters and downspouts is essential for water to drain properly. Make sure all leaves, sticks and debris are out of gutters and that the downspouts ae connected properly.

2. Roof Check

Inspect the condition of your roof by making sure shingles are in place and there are no holes. Patch any spots that may let in water, debris or animals and look for any hazards like hanging tree branches that might need trimming.

3. Prep Your AC

Clean out all debris in the AC unit by lightly spraying it with a hose. Make sure to disconnect the unit at the breaker before spraying. This will create better air flow in your home.

4. Disconnect Hoses

Remove any hoses from their spickets. Doing this before the first freeze of the season is important so the water doesn’t freeze.

5. Winterize Your Tools

Remove all gas from your lawn mower or other gas-powered tools to prevent the gas from freezing. Put away any summer tools and pull out your snow shovels or blowers for easy access. Make sure to also put any bags of salt into a bucket to prevent concrete from deteriorating.

6. Clear Window Wells

Clean out any debris in the window wells of your home and add covers to the tops. This will ensure no snow or ice builds up leading to water leakage in the basement.

Inside

1. Clean Out Dryer Vent

Clean out the vent in your dryer from any lint or dust. This should be a common occurrence as a buildup can lead to a fire.

2. Seal and Insulate

Seal up drafty windows, gaps and doors with caulk, foam or shrink wrap. This will control the airflow inside your home and keep the warm air in.

3. Check Furnace Filter

Check the condition of your furnace filter. If the filter is covered in debris or lint, then replace the filter. This should be checked monthly and replaced about every three months.

4. Prevent Faucet Freezing

If the weather drops to extreme cold temperatures and you have any sinks on an exterior wall of the home, open the cabinet below the sink to let warm air in. This will prevent the water line from freezing. Additionally, if you will be away from your home during extremely low temperatures, let your faucet drip slightly to prevent freezing.

5. Cover Exposed Pipes

Any pipes, mainly copper, that are exposed in the garage or basement need to be covered with pipe wrap insulation to prevent freezing.

Did you know our Home Improvement Program helps qualified families make essential repairs—from energy upgrades to large-scale exterior repairs? Learn more about the Home Improvement Program here.