2024 Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Prepare your home for the season with BOWA’s expert guide to fall home maintenance

As the vibrant colors of fall arrive, it’s easy to get swept up in the beauty of the season. But as the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, it’s also the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for the cooler months ahead. Whether you’re preparing your outdoor spaces for winter or scheduling routine safety checks, taking care of seasonal maintenance now can save you time and stress when the unexpected happens. With our expertise in high-end home care, BOWA offers tailored advice to manage every aspect of your fall maintenance, so you can enjoy the season while we handle the details.

Gutters, Downspouts & Low-Slope Roof Maintenance

Have debris removed and these areas inspected in order to ensure each is functioning properly. This check should be completed four times per year to maintain effective draining and to avoid damage caused by trapped and accumulated water.

Surface & Underground Drains

Check and clear surface and underground drains at least four times per year to ensure proper water flow. Underground drains may be located at downspouts, under a driveway or in other areas where you need to redirect water. Surface drains may be at exterior basement stairs, patios, pool decks, etc. As clogged drains can cause water to back up in other areas and cause significant damage, it’s also important to monitor these during heavy rains, clearing debris as needed.

Hose Bibs & Irrigation Systems

To avoid bursting pipes, turn off exterior hose faucets and irrigation systems before freezing weather sets in, which is typically late October or early November in the Greater DC area. All hose bibs, including those that are “Frost Free,” should be fully drained and irrigation systems should be blown out to avoid freezing during the winter months.

Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Have your HVAC systems serviced twice per year in the spring and fall to ensure they are operating at their most efficient levels. The system inspection should include changing the filter, adjusting dampers to favor northern versus southern rooms, clearing leaves and debris from outside units, checking AC refrigerant, and cleaning the AC condenser. Note that some systems require filter changes more or less frequently depending on your system’s requirements.

Humidifiers

Many homes have a humidifier to help raise the humidity during the dry winter months and improve the health of the indoor air quality. This system requires an annual system check, which is best done during the fall months. During your HVAC service company’s visit, they should perform a thorough inspection and replace the pad/cartridge, which can collect deposits from the water source, clog and cause leaks.

Other Important Items to Address this Fall

• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Latch windows to seal the warm air inside and prevent drafts.
• Have bathroom caulking inspected and retouched, if necessary.
• Have 10-15 gallons from the bottom of your water heater drained once per year to remove sediment.
• Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected inside and out at least once per year. Schedule cleanings and repair as needed.
• Clean screens within showerheads and faucets annually to ensure optimal water flow.
• For your appliances, consult your manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, which should include steps such as cleaning screens on range hood vents, vacuuming refrigerator coils, replacing water filters, and more.
• Have you septic system inspected and cleaned out once every 2-3 years.

At BOWA, we’re here to help you navigate the seasonal upkeep of your home with expert advice and insights. While we don’t handle the maintenance directly, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have and point you in the direction of the right professionals for the job. Whether you’re looking for guidance on how to protect your home this fall or planning a future remodeling project, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to us for advice or to discuss your next home improvement idea.