Fall is officially here, and that means it's time to get started on your fall maintenance list. It's much easier to get this stuff done while it's still pleasant outside, so don't put these projects off until we have snow in the forecast.

This list was originally compiled by our very own Duane Erickson, and has been added onto numerous times over the past several years. We post this same list every year, and we modify it just a bit every year with new and updated information.

Water

  • Disconnect any garden hoses.

    If the exterior faucets are not frost free, drain the water out. See How to Prevent Your Outside Faucets from Freezing. This post also shows how to determine if faucets are frost-free or not.
  • If you have a lawn sprinkler system (aka "irrigation system") it needs to be drained and blown out with compressed air. Hire a pro to do this.

    Remove any pond pumps, and store the pump in your basement in a 5-gallon bucket filled with water. This will help to prevent the seals from drying out.

    If you have a utility sink in your garage, drain the water out of the pipes and dump some RV anti-freeze into the drain.

Air

Clean the combustion air or makeup air intake vents.

If an air exchange system is present, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean it. Regular maintenance items for an HRV include cleaning the exterior intake, the filters, and the core. See HRV maintenance.

Clean the clothes dryer duct. The damper at the exterior should move freely and close properly. See dryer duct maintenance.

Check the bathroom and kitchen exhaust dampers for wasp nests. Nests in these terminals will prevent the dampers from openings. See Bath Fan Terminal Inspections.

Roof

Clean the soffit vents. These can get clogged up with lint, dust, insulation, and paint. They're located under the roof overhangs.

Check the roof vents for bird nests.

Clean the gutters after all the leaves have fallen.

If the downspouts or sump pumps drain into an underground system, re-direct them to drain to the ground surface when feasible. See Sump Pump Discharge.

Air Conditioner

Outdoor covers are NOT necessary. If a cover is used, it should be the type that only covers the top, not a full enclosure.

If the furnace or water heater vent blows exhaust gas onto the air conditioner, a plastic cover can be used to shield the air conditioner from the corrosive exhaust gases.

Don't cover heat pumps (these are not common in Minnesota).

General Exterior

Seal any gaps around the home 'envelope'; check for loose or dried out caulking around pipes, ducts, faucets, air conditioner refrigerant lines, etc.

Replace any damaged or worn weatherstripping around windows and doors.

Smoke / CO Alarms

  • Smoke alarms should be located inside every bedroom, and one in a common area on every level.

    If you don't have photoelectric smoke alarms in your home, add them. This is a big deal. If you don't know what type you have, you don't have photoelectric.

CO alarms should be located within ten feet of every sleeping room (and not in furnace rooms, kitchens, or garages).

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test them using the built-in test buttons.

Check the age of your smoke and CO alarms; smoke alarms are good for up to ten years, CO alarms are good for between five and ten years. If they're any older, replace them.

Furnace

Have a professional furnace tune-up performed annually. See Are Annual Furnace Inspections Really Necessary?

Replace the batteries in your thermostat. If your thermostat fails while you're on vacation, you might come home to a winter wonderland.

Clean or replace the furnace filter - this should usually be done every one to three months, depending on the type of filter. The arrow on the filter should point toward the furnace.

Fireplaces

Have the flues professionally cleaned on any wood burning fireplaces if they get used regularly.

Avoid burning any woods that are not hard and dry.

Clean the dust out of the bottoms of any gas fireplace inserts.

If you have a gas log installed in a wood burning fireplace with an adjustable damper, make sure there is a damper stop installed to prevent the damper from getting closed all the way. See My Beef With Old Gas Log Fireplaces.

Last but not least, Duane says "Cuddle, stay warm, and safe sledding."

Author: Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections