Safety and Preparedness

6 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Fall

At a Glance

Cleaning your gutters can help prevent leaks.
Fall's the time to check heat and drafty doors.
Don't forget about outside lighting, either.

Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.

From apple picking to leaf peeping, fall brings with it a variety of exciting outdoor activities. And there's fun to be had indoors as well, with the scent of apple pie wafting through the home and gourds adorning the windowsills.

But with so much to enjoy about fall, it's easy to neglect our homes. Autumn signals the coming of colder months, and without some upkeep, homeowners could face serious aggravation.

Here are six steps to better ensure a problem-free autumn for homeowners:

Clean Out Those Gutters

Workman Clearing Autumn Leaves from Gutter — (Thinkstock)

During the summer months, there's a high chance that leaves and grime have built up in your gutters. According to Energy.gov, clogged gutters can form ice dams in the colder months that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. Then, leaks can happen within the home, causing all sorts of issues. Get in front of the problem by simply clearing out your gutters. As autumn leaves fall, those gutters are only going to fill up again, so make sure to keep an eye out.

(MORE: Get Your Roof And Gutters Ready For Fall)

Light The Night

Decorative Small Solar Garden Light, Lanterns In Flower Bed In Green Foliage. Garden Design. Solar Powered Lamps In Row — (Thinkstock)

Fall and winter means less daylight. So, if you don't have lights outside of your home and driveway yet, keep your home a little safer by illuminating the area. Lights around the perimeter of your driveway can mean fewer accidents. And lights along your pathway can mean fewer falls. Also, because outdoor lights are typically left on for long periods of time, buying LED and energy saver bulbs will save energy.

(MORE: To Rake Or Not To Rake Fall Leaves?)

Check The Heating System

One hand adjust thermostat valve — (Thinkstock)

Fall signals the first time in months that you will be using your home's heating. Schedule an annual heating system check up, and also manually survey your home's heating vents to make sure they aren't blocked by anything. Also, now is a great time to dust off those vents and clean filters too.

(MORE: This Slow Jam Aims To Heat You Up - And Save The Planet)

Clear Out The Fireplace

Antique books in front of warm fireplace. Magical relaxed cozy atmosphere near fire. — (Thinkstock)

If you're planning to start using your fireplace again, clear out any lingering debris and ash to start with a clean slate. Leave the chimney checking to a professional. Have them check your damper to make sure it can fully close, preventing drafts.

(MORE: When Your First Freeze Usually Happens)

Check For Drafts

Large four pane window looking on colorful fall forest — (Thinkstock)

Drafts in the cold weather months can be a drag. Go to all of the windows and doors in your home and feel for drafts. One trick is to use a candle and if the flame flickers near the door or window, there's likely a draft. Repair seals and caulking around these windows and doors and consider purchasing heavier drapes for these areas.

(MORE: When To Expect Peak Fall Colors)

Store Summer Items

Green Garden Water Hose Hanging on Red Brickwall. Not connected to Water Tap. — (Thinkstock)

Now is the time to put summer accessories away. That means outdoor hoses and wall air conditioning units can be wrapped up and put in the basement. That way, you're decluttering your home and you'll have these items ready for when the warm weather comes around again.

(MORE: Watch For These Weather Changes)