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Fall Maintenance⚓︎

Task Task Type Seasonality Location Priority Dependencies Status Notes
Wash and seal swingset Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Check for any signs of damage or rust before sealing.
Dethatch lawn Lawn Care Seasonal Exterior Medium N/A Completed Dethatching should be done when temperatures are moderate for less stress on your lawn.
Replant areas of lawn needing it and over-seed the lawn Lawn Care Seasonal Exterior Medium Dethatch lawn Completed Seeding should be done in early Fall for best results.
Apply fall lawn fertilizer Lawn Care Seasonal Exterior Medium Dethatch lawn Completed Apply fertilizer after seeding for best results.
Edge sidewalks, walkways, and driveway Maintenance Regular Exterior Low N/A Completed This not only improves your home's curb appeal but also prevents weed growth.
Clear gutters Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Clearing gutters in Fall is crucial to prevent ice dams in Winter.
Trim branches that may fall with snow Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Clear gutters Completed Prevent potential damage from heavy snow and ice.
Test run generators Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Ensure your generator is ready for potential power outages in Winter.
Maintain 25 gallons of gas on hand Maintenance Regular Exterior Medium Test run generators Completed Needed for generators and snow removal equipment.
Install mailbox protection (from snowplows) if needed Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Test run generators Completed Protect your mailbox from being damaged by snowplows.
Maintain & run winter snow removal equipment Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Maintain 25 gallons of gas on hand Completed Ensure equipment is in good working order before the first snowfall.
Stock up on ice melt Supplies Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Keep extra on hand for unexpected snow or ice storms.
Ensure snow shovels are accessible Supplies Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Place in an easily accessible location.
Check insulation in attic and basement Insulation Regular Interior Medium N/A Pending Proper insulation can save on heating costs in Winter.
Add gas preservatives to stored vehicles and summer gas yard tools Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium N/A Completed Protects your engines during Winter storage.
Disconnect batteries from vehicles being stored Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Add gas preservatives Completed Prevents battery drain during storage.
Drain and bring inside pressure washer Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Add gas preservatives Completed Prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
Ensure well has a defrost plan (pipe heater, light above well head) Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Prevents well from freezing.
Install storm windows and remove screens Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Ensure well has a defrost plan Completed Storm windows provide an extra barrier against cold weather.
Remove window air conditioners Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium N/A Completed Prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
Replace batteries in thermostats, fire alarms, and CO2 alarms Maintenance Regular Interior Low N/A Not Started Ensures these devices function properly throughout Winter.
Contact plow service to ensure winter contract Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Maintain & run winter snow removal equipment Pending Confirm your contract before the first snowfall.
Clean roof of debris and check roof ice heaters Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High N/A Completed Prevents ice damming and ensures heaters are working.
Bring in lawn furniture cushions Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Clean roof of debris Completed Extends the life of your outdoor furniture cushions.
Clean and cover grill Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium Clean roof of debris Completed Extends the life of your grill.
Buy extra parts for snow removal equipment (sheer pins) Maintenance Regular Exterior Medium Maintain & run winter snow removal equipment Completed Ensures you're prepared for equipment breakdowns.
Clean solar panels, outdoor lights, outdoor security cameras Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium N/A Completed Ensures these function properly throughout Winter.
Disconnect all garden hoses from faucets Maintenance Seasonal Exterior Medium N/A Completed Prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
Winterize anything handling water - remove the water (e.g., power washers) Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Disconnect all garden hoses Completed Prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
Shut off and empty outdoor water lines, coil hoses into the can Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Disconnect all garden hoses Completed Prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
For in-ground water sprinklers, hook a compressor up to the blowout line Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Disconnect all garden hoses Completed Prevents sprinkler pipes from freezing and bursting.
Winterize lawn mower and string trimmer (let them run until out of gas) Maintenance Seasonal Exterior High Dethatch lawn Completed Protects your engines during Winter storage.
Perform vehicle weatherization possibly including tire changes, oil change, windshield washer blade changes, etc. Maintenance Regular Interior Medium N/A Completed Protects your vehicle from harsh Winter conditions.
Maintain/check battery supply for power outages: flashlights, radios, phones, etc. Supplies Regular Interior Medium N/A Completed Ensures you're prepared for power outages.
Replace furnace filters and have yearly service performed on your furnace Maintenance Seasonal Interior High Check insulation in attic and basement Pending Ensures your furnace functions efficiently throughout Winter.

Reference⚓︎

https://reddit.com/r/homeowners/comments/q9lbra/fall_is_here_and_heres_your_todo_list/