7 Must-Do Fall Home Maintenance Tasks for a Safer, Warmer Winter
Summer is winding down and soon the leaves turn. It’s the perfect time for HOA boards and residents to tackle essential fall home maintenance. Why now? Because taking action in autumn helps prevent costly surprises, boosts energy efficiency, and keeps your community cozy and safe all winter long.
Here’s a checklist of 7 key tasks every homeowner (and HOA) should knock out this fall:
1. Change Detector Batteries
Align this task with daylight savings time to remember it year after year. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months, and don’t forget to replace detectors entirely when they reach the end of their lifespan (10 years for smoke alarms, 6 years for CO detectors).
2. Service the Heating System
Before the first cold snap, bring in an HVAC professional to inspect, clean, and test the heating system. This helps extend the life of the unit, prevents breakdowns, and improves efficiency. Pro tip: Replace filters every 3 months.
3. Check for Leaks
Don’t let small drips become big problems. Inspect toilets, faucets, hoses, and washer connections for signs of wear and minor leaks. Washer hoses should be replaced every 3–5 years to avoid a mid-cycle disaster.
4. Test the Sump Pump
If your property has a sump pump, give it a test run to ensure it’s ready in case of sudden storms or rising groundwater. It’s a small step that can prevent major flooding.
5. Seal Gaps & Cracks
Keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Walk around the home to inspect windows, doors, and vents. Fill gaps with caulk or insulation, and replace damaged weather stripping or broken glass.
6. Winterize Outdoor Water Sources
Before the first freeze, shut off and drain sprinklers and hoses, and store them indoors to avoid burst pipes. Frozen water lines can cause significant and costly damage.
7. Clean the Dryer
Dryers get a workout in the colder months. Clean the lint trap and vent hose to reduce fire risk, especially since static increases in drier, colder air.
Why It Matters
Fall is your community’s best window to prepare for winter. At Neighborhood Connections, we help HOA boards stay proactive with seasonal guidance, resident-friendly content, and planning tools that strengthen community living.
Learn more about how Neighborhood Connections can support your community at https://neighborhoodconnections.io/