10 Essential Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Before Winter Arrives

The leaves are turning, the air smells like pumpkin spice, and fall colours are in full bloom. But as much as we love autumn, it’s also a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Before the first snowfall, it’s a smart idea to check a few important tasks off your fall home maintenance checklist. A little preparation now can help you avoid expensive repairs — and keep your home cozy all season long.

1. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets

Once the gardening season ends, take time to drain and disconnect your outdoor hoses. Any water left inside can freeze and expand, leading to cracked hoses or burst pipes. Shut off your outdoor water valves from inside your home, then roll your hoses down a gentle slope to let the remaining water drain completely. Store them in a dry place for winter.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to drain your outdoor faucets as well — this prevents damage to your plumbing system when temperatures drop.

2. Clear and Inspect Vents

Clogged vents can cause ice dams on your roof and trap excess moisture in your attic. To prevent these problems, check that your attic and soffit vents are clean and free of debris. Proper ventilation keeps your attic dry and helps maintain your roof’s integrity during the cold months.

Pro Tip: Use a leaf blower or pressure washer to quickly clear away dust and debris before the snow flies.

3. Clean the Chimney

Few things are as cozy as a roaring fire in winter — but before lighting that first log, make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup inside the chimney liner is a major fire hazard.

Pro Tip: If you notice more than 3 mm of soot or buildup when scraping the inside of the flue, call a certified chimney sweep for a professional cleaning.

4. Store Planters and Garden Pots

Leaving ceramic or clay planters outdoors with soil inside can cause them to crack during freezing temperatures. Empty the soil from your pots, clean them out, and store them indoors or in a sheltered area.

Pro Tip: Removing the soil now also makes spring replanting faster and easier.

5. Clean the Gutters

Your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. Blocked gutters can cause leaks, roof damage, and ice dams. Schedule a professional gutter cleaning before winter — and make sure your downspouts direct water at least 1.5 metres away from your foundation.

Pro Tip: Skip the ladder work yourself — hire an insured professional to handle this task safely.

6. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold drafts can sneak through even the smallest gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Seal these openings with high-quality silicone caulk to prevent heat loss and water infiltration.

Pro Tip: If you can fit a nickel into the gap, it’s time to seal it. Add weatherstripping around door frames to further reduce drafts and energy waste.

7. Inspect the Roof

Before the snow piles up, inspect your roof for any signs of damage. Use binoculars to spot missing shingles, cracks, or loose flashing around chimneys and vents. Small repairs now can save you from big leaks later.

Pro Tip: For large sections or visible wear, hire a professional roofer to complete any necessary maintenance before freezing temperatures arrive.

8. Protect Your A/C Unit

Resist the urge to wrap your air conditioning unit in plastic — doing so can trap moisture and cause corrosion. Instead, cover the top of the unit with a piece of plywood or a breathable cover to shield it from falling icicles and snow buildup.

Pro Tip: Check the surrounding area to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice from forming around the base.

9. Service the Heating System

Don’t wait until a freezing day to discover your furnace or heat pump isn’t working properly. Schedule a professional tune-up to clean, inspect, and test your heating system.

Pro Tip: Ask your technician to perform a carbon monoxide test during the visit for added safety.

10. Reverse Ceiling Fans

If your home has ceiling fans, switch them to reverse (clockwise) mode for the winter. This pushes warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down into your living space, helping to reduce heating costs.

Pro Tip: For rooms with high ceilings, consider upgrading to fans with built-in reverse settings and remote controls for convenience.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming — just a bit of fall home maintenance can make a huge difference. By checking off these ten tasks before the snow falls, you’ll protect your home from costly damage, improve energy efficiency, and stay warm all winter long.