Every fall, Indiana homeowners should have their heating system serviced, clean and inspect chimneys, winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation, clean gutters, check porch and deck stability, and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — six tasks that head off the most common winter damage claims before the cold sets in.
Have your heating system checked
Have a licensed heating contractor inspect your furnace before you need it, and replace dirty furnace filters. A furnace that fails on the first cold night of the year is a much more expensive and disruptive problem than a fall tune-up.
Inspect and clean chimneys and flues
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney and flue inspected and cleaned as needed before you light the first fire of the season.
Winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation
Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and any irrigation system before the first hard freeze. A frozen, burst outdoor pipe is one of the most common and preventable sources of fall-to-winter water damage.
Clean your gutters
Clear leaves and debris out of your gutters. Overflowing water from clogged gutters can damage your roof and, over time, contribute to cracks in your home's foundation — a fall gutter cleaning is cheap insurance against a much bigger repair.
Check porches, decks, and railings
Inspect the condition and stability of porch and deck components, including handrails, before winter weather adds ice and snow into the mix.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide monitor in the house, inspect or replace fire extinguishers, and review your household's fire escape plan. Furnaces and fireplaces both see more use starting now, which makes this the right time of year to confirm these are working.
Frequently asked questions
When should I have my furnace inspected before winter?
Fall, before you need to rely on it for heat, is the right time — have a licensed heating contractor check the system and replace the filter.
Why does gutter cleaning matter for fall home maintenance?
Clogged gutters can overflow and damage your roof, and over time that water damage can contribute to foundation cracks — a fall cleaning helps prevent both.
Do I need to winterize outdoor faucets even in a mild fall?
Yes — drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems before the first hard freeze, since a burst outdoor pipe is one of the most common preventable sources of winter water damage.
What safety devices should I test in the fall?
Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors, inspect or replace fire extinguishers, and review your home's fire escape plan, since furnace and fireplace use both increase starting in fall.
Just moved into a new home and want a rundown of what to check each season? I'm happy to put together a maintenance calendar specific to your house. Let me know a good time to talk.
Jason Kraus, Broker/Owner, REMAX Advanced Realty — MOVE Group, Hamilton County's dedicated local team headquartered in Westfield.
