A few planned tasks in fall can make winter less disruptive. Work backward from cold weather and book specialists before their busiest weeks.
Book heating and fireplace care
Have fuel-burning heating equipment serviced annually by a qualified technician. Ask about any unusual sounds, odors, or performance changes.
- Schedule heating service and keep the service record.
- Arrange an annual chimney check if your home has one.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors and follow their manufacturer’s replacement instructions.
Prepare the exterior
Look for places where leaves, water, and cold weather could create problems. Use professionals for roof-height work.
- Arrange gutter cleaning after heavy leaf fall.
- Winterize exterior water lines and irrigation according to the system’s instructions.
- Inspect accessible door and window weatherstripping.
Make winter supplies easy to find
Organize supplies before the first weather alert arrives.
- Check shovels and choose ice-management products appropriate for your surfaces.
- Keep emergency contacts and flashlights handy.
- Review who will monitor your home if you travel.
Do this
- Use qualified technicians for combustion equipment.
- Record the location of the main water shutoff.
- Make a plan for outdoor water before freezing weather.
Skip this
- Treat a furnace filter change as a full system inspection.
- Use roof or ladder work as a first-time DIY experiment.
- Ignore alarm warnings or unusual equipment behavior.
ONE SMALL STEP AT A TIME
0 of 6 doneYour working checklist.
Check things off as you go. Progress stays in this browser when storage is available.
Helpful sources & next reads.
Check the original resources for current details and requirements.
CDC: Carbon monoxide prevention at homeU.S. Fire Administration: Smoke alarm care