Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Bill Hoelzer

Air Sealing, Attic Insulation, Energy Audit

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This weekend, take some time for fall home maintenance so you can skip costly repairs in the months ahead.

From checking your heating system to sealing up drafts in your attic or crawl space, this fall home maintenance checklist will help you tackle the basics and prepare for the months ahead.

Print your fall home maintenance checklist PDF, or read on for a detailed list of what to do inside and outside your home this fall.

If you live in the Detroit Metro area and want help with your home, please give us a call at (248) 291-7815 or send us a message of call anytime:

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Since 2009, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Detroit Metro area with home energy audits, insulation, heat pumps, and more. More than 5,000 projects completed, all with a satisfaction guarantee.

Fall Home Maintenance: Home Heating

Your heating system is about to become the MVP of your house. Before the first snowflakes fall, make sure it’s in good shape.

Swap out your air filter

This is an easy win. Changing your furnace or heat pump filter every 3 months will keep your system running smoothly. Most homes do well with a filter rated between MERV 8 and 11. If you’re not sure which one to use, contact Ecotelligent Homes, and we can recommend the best option based on your system and home size: (248) 291-7815

Schedule a maintenance appointment

Just like getting an oil change for your car, regular maintenance keeps your heating system performing its best. A pro can catch small issues before they turn into big, costly repairs. If you haven’t had your system serviced yet this year, now’s the time to book an appointment.

Program your thermostat

A smart thermostat is a must-have if you want to save on energy bills. Set it to lower the heat at night and when you’re away, and you can save up to $180 a year, according to ENERGY STAR. If you need help installing or setting up a programmable thermostat, our team is happy to assist.

Consider a duct cleaning

This one’s optional, but if you’re noticing dust or have allergies, clean ducts can make a big difference. Clean ducts also improve efficiency, meaning your heating system won’t have to work as hard to keep you warm. Learn more about the importance of duct sealing for your home.

Fall Home Maintenance: Basement / Crawlspace

Cooler weather means animals start looking for warm places to nest, and unfortunately, your basement or crawlspace might be on their list. Take a few minutes to check for any signs of unwanted visitors.

Check for pests

Look around your basement windows or crawlspace vents for holes, tears, or loose attachments. Small animals like mice can squeeze into a 1-inch hole, so if you spot any gaps, fill them temporarily with steel wool until you can get a professional to repair the framing or re-screen the vents.

Inspect for moisture issues

Basements and crawlspaces are prone to moisture problems that can lead to mold, foundation damage, and poor air quality. Check the perimeter for standing water and consider installing a dehumidifier if humidity levels are high. For more information on Michigan-specific basement tips, check out our article: What is a Michigan Basement?

Seal and insulate rim joists

If you have a basement, the rim joists are a major source of air leaks and drafts. Insulating and sealing the rim joists helps keep your basement comfortable and reduces heat loss. This is a project that can have a big impact on energy bills and overall comfort in Michigan homes.

Add insulation if needed

Proper insulation can keep your basement or crawlspace warmer and lower heating bills. Learn more about why we recommend spray foam for crawlspaces.

If you'd like to get pricing for a project, start by giving us a call at 248) 291-7815. You can also use our online pricing tool. Just tell us about your project, and we'll send a price estimate in two minutes or less.

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Fall Home Maintenance: Attic

Your attic is the first line of defense against Michigan’s cold winters, and it’s also a place where insulation and air sealing can make a big difference.

Look for signs of animal activity

Check for missing or torn insulation and inspect bird or rodent screens on attic vents. If you find chewed-up insulation or droppings, it’s a sign you need to address the issue before it gets worse.

Check for leaks

During daylight hours, turn off the attic lights and look for any sunlight streaming in through the roof. This can indicate small holes or cracks that need sealing. For a more thorough guide, read “Don’t Be Baffled by Baffles” to learn how to keep airflow balanced in your attic.

Clear debris from vents

Make sure ridge vents and vents at the eaves are free of debris or plants. Blocked vents can lead to moisture buildup, which might cause mold or ice dams. If you’re dealing with uneven snow melt on your roof, check out our guide on preventing ice dams.

Fall Home Maintenance: Plumbing

The last thing you want during winter is a burst pipe or a water heater failure. Here are a few steps to make sure your plumbing is winter-ready.

Drain your water heater

Sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing leaks. Drain the tank once a year to flush out sediment and extend the lifespan of your water heater.

Check for leaks and corrosion

Look for signs of leaks around exposed pipes, especially in basements. Green or rust-colored stains around copper or brass pipes are a sign of corrosion that should be addressed. This can lead to leaks or poor connections if left unchecked.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas

If you have pipes running through an unheated basement, garage, or crawlspace, wrap them with insulation to prevent freezing and bursting. This small investment can save a lot of headache (and water damage) during freezing weather.

Shut off and drain exterior faucets

Disconnect garden hoses and drain water from outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. If possible, turn off the shutoff valve inside your home and open the exterior faucet to drain any remaining water. This prevents ice buildup that could crack pipes.

Fall Home Maintenance: Exterior

Winter can be tough on your home’s exterior, so a little maintenance now can prevent damage down the road.

Inspect your siding

Look for peeling paint, cracks in stucco, or missing mortar in brickwork. Any damage can let moisture in, which leads to bigger problems as temperatures drop. A quick repair or touch-up can go a long way.

Check the foundation

Walk around your home’s exterior and look for cracks or bulges in the foundation. If you notice any, it might be time to schedule a professional assessment. Cracks can lead to water infiltration and structural damage.

Clean your gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Clean them out regularly in the fall to ensure water drains away from your home. If you notice pooling water around your home, consider adding gutter extenders to direct the water further away from the foundation.

Inspect your roof for damage

Look for missing shingles, broken tiles, or other damage that could let water in during a winter storm. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, a pair of binoculars can help spot problems from the ground.

Check your doors and windows

Cold air loves to sneak in through gaps around windows and doors. If you feel a draft, it’s time to replace weatherstripping or apply caulk around loose frames. Consider reading our article on how air sealing and insulation work together to reduce drafts and improve comfort.

Fall Home Maintenance: Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts are the unsung heroes of your home’s drainage system. Keeping them clean and in good condition can prevent serious damage.

Keep gutters clear

Clean out leaves, twigs, and other debris regularly throughout the fall. If your gutters clog up, water can overflow and lead to wood rot, foundation issues, and even ice dams when temperatures drop.

Check downspouts for pooling water

Make sure downspouts direct water at least 10 feet away from your home’s foundation. Pooling water around your foundation can cause basement flooding and structural damage. If you notice water buildup, consider adding an extender or installing a splash block to redirect water flow.

Look for sagging gutters or loose brackets

Sagging gutters can create gaps that let water drip down the sides of your home, damaging your siding. Tighten loose brackets and make sure everything is securely attached. If your gutters are older or damaged, consider a replacement before the winter snow hits.

Fall Home Maintenance: Bringing It All Together

Taking care of your home this fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Print out a copy of our fall home maintenance checklist PDF, then go down the list to keep your house safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient all winter long.

If you want help with your home, we’re here to support you. From home energy audits to air sealing and insulation upgrades, we’ll help you get your home ready for the season.