Fall is more than just pumpkin spice and leaf-peeping. It’s your last call to get your home ready for whatever winter will throw your way.

A few hours of maintenance now can help you avoid a very cold, and potentially expensive, surprise later.

Print out this checklist and cross things off as you tackle them one by one:

Heating and safety

These tasks are the highest priority for safety, and should be completed before the first cold snap. 

• Service your HVAC. Schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace or heat pump, and change the air filters to keep air moving efficiently.
  
• Test your heating system early. Listen for unusual noises and check for weak airflow. Finding a problem now is much better than discovering it on the first freezing night.
  
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney. Have them swept and inspected to clear out buildup and help prevent fires.
  
• Check your alarms. Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector and replace their batteries.
  

Roof, gutters and drainage

Bonus: Checking these off can help protect your home during fall weather, too!

• Clear out your gutters. Clogged gutters can send water where you definitely don't want it, potentially causing foundation damage or winter ice dams.
  
• Check your downspouts. Make sure they direct water at least 4-6 feet away from your home's foundation.
  
• Inspect the roof. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that could allow water in during heavy rain or melting snow.
  

Water and pipe protection

These are a must before the real freezing temperatures arrive.

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• Drain outdoor faucets. Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses. Shut off spigots and drain remaining water.
  
• Insulate your spigots. Foam spigot covers can help protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.
  
• Wrap exposed pipes. Use tubular foam insulation on pipes in unheated spaces such as basements, crawlspaces and attics.
  

Windows, doors and insulation

Once the major protections are handled, set your home up to be more energy efficient.

• Seal drafts. Check windows and doors for gaps, then use fresh caulk or weather stripping to keep warm air inside and potentially lower heating bills.
  
• Check your attic insulation. Replace any torn or missing sections, or upgrade to thicker material before winter hits.
  
• Reverse your ceiling fans. Set them to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that pushes rising warm air back down into your living space.
  

Yard, pest and storage prep

Add in some smart seasonal cleanup to keep critters out.

• Pest-proof your perimeter. Seal small cracks and holes around your foundation. As temperatures drop, mice, stink bugs and spiders may start looking for a cozy place to spend the season.
  
• Protect outdoor furniture and equipment. Clean and store patio furniture, grills and garden tools in a garage or shed, or cover them with heavy-duty weather covers.
  
• Give your lawn some fall care. Apply fall fertilizer to encourage deep root growth, helping your lawn bounce back quickly and healthily next spring.
  

Stock up on winter supplies now

Don't wait for the first blizzard to discover the snow shovel aisle is empty. Go on a little shopping spree now to pick up winter supplies before they’re out of stock.

• Make sure you have all of these on hand:
  

• Snow shovels and ice scrapers
• Pet-safe ice melt or sand
• Flashlights and lanterns
• Fresh batteries

Think of this list as your home's fall report card, and heat, roof, pipes, windows, yard and emergency supplies are now your most important subjects. Check those boxes now, and your winter self will be feeling A+.