Ahh, fall— it’s almost time for sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and the perfect excuse to cozy up indoors! As the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s the ideal time to begin prepping your home for the colder months ahead. Whether you’re thinking of selling or staying snug, this simple checklist will keep your home in tip-top shape while you enjoy the season!

1. Heating System: Keep It Toasty

Before you start living your best “blanket and hot cocoa” life, make sure your heating system is ready to keep you warm all season.

• Service Your Furnace: Get a professional to give your furnace or heating system a tune-up so it runs like a dream (and saves you money while doing it).
• Replace Air Filters: Clean or swap out your filters (do this at least once per quarter!) to keep the air flowing smoothly and reduce energy use.
• Test Your Thermostat: Set it to the perfect temperature and consider upgrading to a programmable one, so you can come home to a warm, welcoming space!

2. Gutter Cleaning: Say Goodbye to Fall Leaves

As much as we love autumn leaves, they don’t belong in your gutters!

• Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Scoop out all those crunchy leaves to avoid a future disaster of water damage or icy buildup when winter hits. Gunked up gutters can cause a lot more issues than just annoyance.
• Inspect for Damage: Check for cracks and sagging gutters, and get them fixed before the fall rainstorms arrive.

3. Insulation and Sealing: Lock In the Cozy

Time to make sure your home holds in all the warmth, so you can keep that cozy vibe going strong.

• Check Attic Insulation: A well-insulated attic keeps the heat where it belongs—inside! Plus, you’ll see those heating bills shrink.
• Seal Drafts: Inspect your windows and doors for drafts, and reapply caulking or damaged weatherstripping as needed. You’ll stay snug while keeping the cold—and higher energy costs—outside.
• Inspect the Roof: Before you’re all curled up in front of the fire, check for missing or damaged shingles. A quick fix now means no leaks during fall rains or winter snow.

4. Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance: Get Ready for Fireside Feels

Nothing says fall like a crackling fire. But first, a little TLC!

• Clean the Chimney: Schedule a professional chimney sweep to clear out creosote and avoid any unwanted smoky surprises.
• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Safety first! Make sure your detectors are working, and change those batteries (every 6 months!), so you can enjoy your fireside cocoa with peace of mind.

5. Outdoor Prep: Fall Fun Outside

Time to tidy up the yard so it’s fall-ready while you enjoy those last few weeks of warm summer air.

• Drain Outdoor Faucets: Turn off and drain those outdoor faucets, and before winter, make sure to store your garden hoses to avoid freezing damage.
• Store Outdoor Furniture: Give your patio furniture a good clean to enjoy it during the fall. Before winter, make sure to stash it away—or cover it up to keep it safe from the elements.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Get rid of any overhanging branches so they don’t scratch your siding or cause damage during storms (and ruin your peaceful vibes!).

This checklist isn’t just about keeping your home in great shape—it’s about saving money and making sure you can fully enjoy the cozy side of fall, whether you’re snuggled up indoors or selling your home to the next lucky buyer. So put on that oversized game day sweater, grab yourself a hot latte, and check these items off your list for a smooth transition into the colder months ahead! 

If you’re looking for a list of amazing companies who can help with all of these items and more, CLICK HERE to get your copy of our Preferred Vendor list (some even offer discounts just for CRC VIPs, like YOU!)!