Autumn Home Checklist

The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and those cooler Colorado temperatures are right around the corner. Before you trade patio season for cozy nights inside, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for freezing temperatures, snow, and winter weather.

A little maintenance now can help prevent expensive repairs later. Use this checklist to get your home ready for another Colorado winter.

1. BLOW OUT YOUR SPRINKLERS

This is one of the most important fall maintenance tasks for Colorado homeowners.

Before freezing temperatures arrive, have your irrigation system professionally blown out and winterized. Water left in sprinkler lines, valves, or backflow preventers can freeze, expand, and cause costly damage.

Don't wait for the first hard freeze - schedule your sprinkler blowout early in the season, especially since irrigation companies can get booked quickly.

Colorado tip: Once your system has been winterized, avoid turning it back on unless it is specifically designed for winter use.

2. Disconnect Hoses & Winterize Exterior Faucets

Before temperatures drop below freezing:

• Disconnect and store garden hoses

• Drain water from hoses and outdoor spigots

• Shut off interior water supply valves to exterior faucets, if applicable

• Open the exterior faucet briefly to drain remaining water

• Install insulated faucet covers if appropriate

Taking a few minutes to winterize your outdoor plumbing can help reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes.

3. Clean Gutters & Check Your Roof

Fall leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters and downspouts. Clean them out and make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from your foundation.

While you're up there - or working with a professional - look for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Cracked or loose flashing

• Damaged vents

• Signs of leaks

• Debris accumulating on the roof

Getting these issues addressed before snow and ice arrive can help prevent water damage during the winter.

4. Seal Drafts & Air Leaks

If you can feel cold air coming through your windows or doors, your home may be losing valuable heat.

Check around:

• Windows

• Exterior doors

• Door frames

• Baseboards

• Utility penetrations

Weatherstripping and caulk can be inexpensive ways to reduce drafts. A door sweep can also help seal the gap underneath exterior doors.

Bonus: Sealing air leaks can make your home more comfortable and may help reduce heating costs throughout the winter.

5. Service Your Furnace & HVAC System

Don't wait for the first major cold snap to discover your furnace isn't working properly.

Before winter:

• Replace your HVAC filter

• Test your furnace

• Schedule a professional inspection or tune-up

• Check vents and registers for obstructions

• Pay attention to unusual noises or smells

If you have a humidifier or other indoor air-quality equipment, fall is also a good time to clean and service it.

6. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder during the colder months, so give it a quick inspection before winter.

Look for:

• Leaks or puddles

• Rust or corrosion

• Unusual noises

• Damaged connections

If your water heater is older or showing signs of trouble, consider having a professional inspect it.

7. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is a great time to make sure your safety systems are working properly—especially before you start using your furnace, fireplace, or other heating equipment regularly.

Test your:

• Smoke detectors

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguishers

Replace batteries when needed and check the age of your detectors. If a detector has reached the end of its recommended service life, replace it rather than simply changing the battery.

8. Prepare Your Yard & Trees

Colorado's fall weather can bring snow, wind, and heavy branches, so take a walk around your property before winter arrives.

Look for:

• Dead or damaged tree limbs

• Weak branches near your home

• Leaves covering the lawn

• Damaged fences or gates

• Standing water

• Outdoor lighting that needs attention

Remove smaller dead branches yourself and consider hiring a qualified tree professional for larger or potentially dangerous limbs.

You can also mulch leaves into your lawn or rake them up, depending on your landscaping needs. Avoid piling excessive mulch directly against tree trunks.

9. Clean & Store Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

As patio season comes to an end, clean and properly store your outdoor furniture and equipment.

Before storing:

• Clean patio furniture

• Cover or store furniture in a protected area

• Clean gardening tools

• Drain and store hoses

• Clean lawn equipment

• Follow manufacturer recommendations for winterizing mowers and other gas-powered equipment

Proper storage can help extend the life of your outdoor equipment and make spring cleanup much easier.

10. Inspect Your Driveway, Walkways & Deck

Before snow and ice arrive, check your hardscaping and outdoor living spaces for damage.

Look for:

• Cracks in concrete or asphalt

• Uneven walkways

• Loose pavers

• Damaged deck boards

• Loose railings

• Rot or soft spots

Addressing small problems now can help prevent them from becoming larger issues after repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles.

11. Check Your Basement & Foundation

Fall is a good time to look for signs of moisture before winter snow and spring runoff arrive.

Walk around your home and check for:

• New foundation cracks

• Water stains

• Damp or musty areas

• Standing water near the foundation

• Soil that slopes toward the house

Make sure your gutters, downspouts, and grading are directing water away from your foundation.

If you have a sump pump, test it before the next major storm and make sure your backup system is functioning properly.

12. Get Your Home Ready for Snow

Finally, make sure you're prepared for the first big snowstorm of the season.

Before winter, check that you have:

• A working snow shovel

• Working exterior lights

• A functioning snow blower, if you use one

• Clear access to your electrical panel, furnace, and water shutoff

• Emergency supplies on hand

It's much easier to discover your snow blower needs maintenance before the first foot of snow.

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A Little Fall Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Colorado winters can be unpredictable, but a little preparation can make a big difference.

From scheduling your sprinkler blowout to checking your furnace, gutters, roof, and exterior plumbing, spending a weekend tackling these tasks can help protect your home and prevent costly surprises later.

Get it done now, then enjoy everything Colorado fall has to offer.