10 Essential Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home

November 11, 2024

As autumn sets in, preparing your home for the colder months becomes a top priority. Taking care of essential maintenance tasks during fall not only protects your home but also ensures it remains efficient, cozy, and safe throughout winter. This checklist includes practical steps to safeguard your home’s systems, optimize energy efficiency, and help prevent any surprises as temperatures drop.

A person is cleaning a dirty dryer filter.

1. Check Dryer Lint Traps and Vents


Dryers are a common source of home fires, especially when lint builds up over time. Start by cleaning the lint trap after every use, but don’t forget the dryer vent, which can accumulate hidden lint and become a fire hazard. A clean vent also helps your dryer operate more efficiently, saving energy.


Tip: Detach the vent hose from the back of the dryer and use a brush or vacuum to clear out lint and dust.


2. Clear Leaves and Debris from Eavestroughs and Gutters


Falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters, causing water to back up and damage your roof, siding, or even your home’s foundation. Keeping eavestroughs and gutters clear prevents water buildup and ensures proper drainage.


Tip: Clean out the gutters after most leaves have fallen, and consider installing gutter guards to reduce the need for frequent cleaning.


3. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses


Water left in outdoor hoses can freeze during winter, causing them to crack or burst. Disconnecting, draining, and storing hoses indoors helps extend their life. It also prevents potential water buildup in the spigot, which could lead to pipe damage.


Tip: Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets, open the spigot to drain any remaining water, and use insulated covers for extra protection.


4. Close Interior and Drain Valves to Exterior Hose Bibs


This step is vital for homes in colder regions. Closing interior valves to exterior hose bibs and draining the pipes will prevent freezing, which can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs.


Tip: After shutting off the interior valve, open the exterior faucet to ensure all remaining water drains out, protecting your pipes for the winter.

A close up of a paper filter sitting on top of a table.

5. Clean or Replace Furnace Filters and Check the Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)


Changing furnace filters ensures your heating system runs efficiently, helping you save on energy costs and improve air quality. Checking the HRV, if your home has one, ensures fresh air circulation and helps maintain good indoor air quality during winter when homes are sealed.


Tip: Set a reminder to check filters every three months, or monthly if you have pets or allergies. HRV units should be cleaned and serviced regularly for optimal performance.


6. Turn On the Gas Fireplace Pilot Light


If you have a gas fireplace, fall is the ideal time to turn on the pilot light, ensuring it’s ready for colder nights. This can prevent condensation and buildup inside the gas lines. Regular maintenance on a gas fireplace also helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.


Tip: If you notice any issues with lighting or the flame’s color, contact a professional to check your fireplace for safety.


7. Cover the Air Conditioning Unit


Once you’re sure you won’t need cooling, protect your outdoor air conditioning unit with a cover. This keeps debris, ice, and snow out of the unit, helping it stay in good condition over the winter.


Tip: Choose a cover specifically designed for your unit to allow for some ventilation and avoid trapping moisture inside.

A person is using a vacuum hose to clean a vent on the floor.

8. Vacuum Dust from Air Ducts, Cold Air Returns, and Vents


Dust and debris build up in air ducts and vents over time, affecting your home’s indoor air quality and reducing heating efficiency. Vacuuming out vents, ducts, and cold air returns keeps your heating system running smoothly and minimizes allergens.


Tip: Remove vent covers and vacuum inside ducts for a deeper clean. For an extensive job, consider professional duct cleaning services every few years.


9. Check the Sump Pump for Operation and Maintenance


Your sump pump plays a vital role in protecting your basement from flooding, especially during heavy rains and snow melts. Inspect it in the fall to ensure it’s working correctly and check that the float and discharge line are clear.


Tip: Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit and confirming that it activates and drains properly.


10. Check and Reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFI)


Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFIs) are essential safety features on outdoor and bathroom outlets, where water exposure is common. These devices protect against electrical shocks, so it’s crucial to test them in the fall to confirm they’re working.


Tip: Press the “Test” button on each GFI outlet to see if it shuts off. Then press “Reset” to restore power. If it doesn’t trip as expected, consult an electrician.


Conclusion


By following these 10 fall maintenance tips, you’ll be taking a proactive approach to protect and preserve your home’s safety, efficiency, and comfort. Fall is an ideal time to address these maintenance tasks, ensuring your home is prepared for winter’s cold and wet conditions. Taking these simple steps now can save you time, money, and stress as you enjoy a worry-free season ahead.

More Blogs From Mikmada Homes

December 8, 2025
Community involvement isn’t an afterthought for Mikmada Homes, it’s who we are and what we believe builds a strong foundation for families and communities. At Mikmada Homes, building quality homes is what we do, but proudly supporting local organizations and initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of families is equally important. Our ongoing support of impactful organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Hamilton , The Gift of Giving Back , and Good Shepherd reflects our commitment to investing in the communities our homeowners call home. These initiatives represent more than donations and volunteer hours, they reflect our entire team’s belief that compassion and integrity are demonstrated through action. We believe trust is built through action. As Mikmada Homes continues to grow, so does our commitment to giving back and partnering with organizations that build stronger, more supportive communities. Check out our Community Involvement
November 24, 2025
Is your family starting to outgrow your current home? Thinking about moving up to a larger space? A home that offers more room to live, play, and grow? Making the move to a larger home is an exciting step but also deserves thoughtful planning. Consider these points to simplify your decision. What Does More Space Mean to You? Do you need an extra bedroom for a growing child, a home office, or a finished basement for more family time? Understanding your priorities will help you choose a layout that truly fits your lifestyle rather than just adding square footage. Location Matters When moving up, the right neighbourhood is just as important as the right home. The Royal Valley community in Guelph is a wonderful family-friendly community with easy access to walking trails, parks, amenities & public transportation. A growing neighbourhood of thoughtfully designed new homes surrounded by nature. Budget and Timing to Consider It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a larger home, but remember to factor in new costs like utilities, maintenance, and furnishings. If you’re selling your current home, timing your sale and purchase carefully can help you make a smooth transition. A pre-construction home can also provide the benefit of extra time to plan your move while your new home is being built.  Long Term Investment A larger home is an investment in your family’s future. Choose a design that can adapt as your lifestyle changes. Whether that’s creating space for teenagers, multi-generational living, or future hobbies. Mikmada builds homes with growing families in mind. Let’s find the space your family deserves. Check out our current floorplans at Royal Valley .
November 12, 2025
Buying a new home is exciting and at Mikmada Homes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or moving up to a larger space, our team makes the process clear, simple, and stress-free. From choosing your floorplan to handing you keys on closing day, we’ll walk you through what to expect so you can feel confident and informed along the path to your brand new home. We’re happy to share Mikmada’s step by step buying process . Let’s Choose Your Dream Home Floorplan !
October 27, 2025
Becoming a homeowner, especially in a brand-new or pre-construction home, is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities. Today’s tech can make managing your home and family much easier. Whether you're settling into a new Mikmada Homes community or planning your future move, these helpful apps can simplify homeownership from day one.
October 6, 2025
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to make memories with family and friends. Whether you are celebrating in a brand-new home or your well-loved home, let’s help you host a warm and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration.
September 29, 2025
If you’re planning to buy a new-build home, one of the first choices you'll make is whether to build a custom home or choose a production home in a new community. At Mikmada Homes, we understand that every family has different needs, so here's a breakdown to help you decide what’s right for you.
Entryway with coats on a rack, shoes on a bench. A door and a hallway are in the background.
September 15, 2025
With the kids back in school and routines kicking into high gear, fall is the perfect time to bring a little more organization into your home. Whether you're already living in your dream space or considering a new-build in a family-friendly community, staying organized helps reduce stress and keeps everyone on track especially during those busy weekday mornings.  At Mikmada Homes, we know how important it is for your home to work with your lifestyle. Here are some simple, practical ways to keep things running smoothly.
Red maple leaf beside
September 1, 2025
Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September and is a tribute to the contributions and achievements of workers. Labour Day is not just a day off but a chance to recognize the hard-working efforts of those who built and continue to build our societies.  At Mikmada Homes , we believe in creating more than just homes; we build communities where families can make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're spending the Labour Day weekend relaxing on your deck, exploring your neighborhood celebrations, or hosting friends and family, we hope your home is a place of joy and comfort.
Two young children with backpacks, smiling at each other outside a building.
August 25, 2025
Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but we know that for kids, starting at a new school can bring a mix of nerves and excitement.  Here are some practical ways to help your child feel confident and ready for their first day in a new school.
White butler's kitchen with dark countertops, a double sink, and cabinets.
August 18, 2025
Dreaming about your future kitchen? Open-concept designs and quartz countertops often steal the spotlight when planning a new kitchen but there’s one feature that deserves more attention: the butler’s pantry. At Mikmada Homes, we’ve seen a growing number of families at Royal Valley Guelph , choose home designs that include a butler’s pantry. Traditionally located between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry acts as a secondary space for food prep, storage, and serving. Today, it’s a stylish and functional upgrade that adds convenience and organization to your daily routine.
Show More