FALL HOME MAINTENANCE PLAN - 2 tasks per month
September – Fall Furnace Prep
1. Schedule Furnace Tune-Up
Why? Ensures efficiency before cold months.
Why? Ensures efficiency before cold months.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
- Replace filters.
- Check for unusual noises or smells.
- Test the thermostat.
- Check for unusual noises or smells.
- Test the thermostat.
Professional Help: Call an HVAC technician.
In Utah: book it early. Your furnace gets its first real workout around the average first fall frost - about September 25 in Logan, October 10 in Farmington, October 13 in Spanish Fork and October 24 in Ogden (USU Extension).
2. Clean Fireplace & Chimney
Why? Reduces fire risk.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
- Remove ashes and debris.
- Inspect the flue for blockages.
- Test the damper.
- Inspect the flue for blockages.
- Test the damper.
Professional Help: Hire a chimney sweep.
In Utah: mandatory wood-burning restrictions run November 1 through March 1 in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah and Weber counties. On mandatory action days burning wood or coal is prohibited, with fines starting at $150. Check the free UtahAir app before you light a fire.
October – Winterize Your Home
1. Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Why? Prevents freezing.
Why? Prevents freezing.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
- Drain and disconnect hoses.
- Shut off outdoor water supply.
- Install faucet covers.
- Shut off outdoor water supply.
- Install faucet covers.
Professional Help: Call a plumber if unsure.
In Utah: time this around your secondary water shutoff - Weber Basin around October 15, Syracuse September 20, Lehi by October 15, Saratoga Springs with valves closed by November 1. Book your sprinkler blowout in that window.
2. Check Home Insulation
Why? Improves energy efficiency.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
- Inspect attic insulation depth.
- Add insulation if necessary.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows.
- Add insulation if necessary.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows.
Professional Help: Hire an insulation specialist.
In Utah: sealing drafts pays twice - it cuts your heating bill and keeps out the fine particulate that settles in the valleys during winter inversions. Salt Lake City advises sealing gaps and keeping windows closed on orange and red air days.
November – Final Fall Prep
1. Clean Gutters After Leaves Fall
Why? Prevents water damage.
Why? Prevents water damage.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
- Remove debris by hand or with a blower.
- Flush downspouts with water.
- Check for loose sections.
- Flush downspouts with water.
- Check for loose sections.
Professional Help: Hire a gutter service.
2. Test Sump Pump
Why? Prevents basement flooding.
Why? Prevents basement flooding.
DIY Steps (DIY Videos below)
Pour water into the pit and observe.
Ensure it activates properly.
Clean the inlet screen. Professional Help: Call a plumber.
Ensure it activates properly.
Clean the inlet screen. Professional Help: Call a plumber.
In Utah: a sump pump doubles as a radon pathway. Utah DEQ notes that homes with sump pumps, French drains or buried water-collection loops can often be radon-mitigated by tying the system into the water control system already there, which usually makes the job simpler and cheaper.
DIY VIDEOS FOR FALL HOME MAINTENANCE
Check out our video resources to learn more about these fall home maintenance recommendations