Maintenance Checklist

• Walk around your property checking for anything that needs repair before inclement weather arrives.

• Inspect your roof, and schedule repairs if needed.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts throughout the fall and winter.

• Look up the chimney for blockages, check that the damper is working, and schedule it for servicing and cleaning.

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain water still in faucets. If you do not have frost proof faucets, install foam insulated faucet cover or turn the shut-off valve to off inside your home.

• Stow your mower and other gardening equipment, drain fuel, and clean yard tools to prevent rust.

• Check your trees for any weak areas that could cause damage during a fall or winter storm.

• Rake or mow over leaves before winter comes to ensure a healthy lawn when spring arrives.

• Check crawlspaces for flooding after the first long rainfall.

• Check crawlspaces for flooding after the first long rainfall.

• Clean out the bathroom fan/filter.

• Inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure that it can achieve maximum efficiency or schedule a service appointment. Be sure to install a new filter to start the indoor heating season.

• Check to make sure your thermostat works properly.

• Repair any window cracks or holes in weather stripping or caulking. If the gap is bigger than the width of a nickel, reapply exterior caulk. Similarly, fill any gaps or holes where critters can enter.

• Continually check your air vents (and dryer vent) to make sure they aren't blocked.

• Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Make a fire escape plan for your house, and take time to review it with all family members.

• Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of the house and in the garage.

• Make sure you have new batteries in all flashlights, and place them where they can be easily found around the house.

• Stock up on supplies for fall and winter, including snow shovels, ice melt products, ice scrapers and seasoned firewood.

• Flashlights, batteries

• Whistle (to signal for help)

• Water & non-perishable food

• Cell phone with wall & car charger

• Dust masks

• Important personal documents

• Candles & lighter or matches

• First aid kit & blankets

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Manual can opener

• Rain ponchos

• Extra set of house & car keys

• Cash & coins

• Personal care items

• Pocket knife and/or multi-tool

• Pet supplies

Keep your home warm all winter long.

• Test your furnace. Turn the thermostat up and listen as the furnace turns on. If it's running fine, turn the thermostat back down. 
• Replace the air filter. Experts recommend changing or cleaning filters once a month during the wintertime to improve the airflow and efficiency of the furnace. 
• Have your furnace serviced by a technician, preferably one who will also assess it for wear and tear and will also let you know if it needs repaired or replaced. They will also cleans your vents if necessary. 
• If your heating system runs on propane or oil, call your system maintenance professional to check and fill it if needed. 
• Reverse your ceiling fans to run clockwise so air circulates downward; this will reduce heating costs by 10%. 

Prepare your cooling system.

• Clean debris from the condensing unit, and use a hose to clear dirt from the an blades and coils. 
• Drain hoses and pipes and, if your unit has one, make sure the water shut-off valve is in the "off" position. 
• Turn off exterior water spigots, look for water leaks and repair any that you find.
• Cover the condensing unit to prevent rust and damage. A breathable waterproof cover can help ensure the unit stays in good condition for years to come.
• Remove and store window AC units for the winter. 

Check your insulation.

• Check your windows, especially the hinges and slides, for leaks. Caulk the sides of your windows and joints if you find leaks. 
• Install storm doors and windows, if you have them.
• Cover your hot water tank with an insulating blanket to help it run more efficiently. 

Prevent pipes from freezing and causing expensive damage.

• Drain exterior faucets and disconnect garden hoses. Store the hoses in a garage, basement or shed.
• Cover exposed piping and uninsulated parts of your home using preslit foam, which can be purchased from a hardware or home improvement store. It can be cut to fit the pipe and duct-taped in place. 
• If you have a summer home, or a part of your home that won't be used, shut off its water and drain the plumbing system.