Exterior

• Clean the gutters and downspouts. One of the most important aspects of home maintenance is preventing water intrusion. Clear out leaves and other debris so any rainwater can flow freely. Make sure water is directed well away from the building.

• Inspect the roof ridge and roof vents for damage. Clean and repair them if necessary. This will help keep any unwelcome critters out of the attic. If you have a flat roof, make sure the scuppers are clear and water isn’t ponding. Consult a roofer if you have this common condition.

• Inspect siding, trim, soffits, and fascia boards for holes or gaps. Caulk any openings to minimize heat loss.

• Inspect windows and doors to make sure they seal properly. Weather stripping under and around doors is an effective and affordable way to conserve energy and keep warm air inside.

Interior

• Schedule an inspection and any preventative maintenance of your HVAC system. If the fuel source is natural gas, this should include thermostat calibration, cleaning system components, checking gas connections and burner combustion. Furnace filters should be replaced at least once a year to maximize efficiency.

• Check and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Batteries should be changed once a year. Carbon monoxide detection is especially important in the colder months. According to the CDC, that’s when most accidental carbon monoxide poisoning occurs.

• Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and charged. The tag will have an expiration date; if that date has passed, bring it in for service.

• Clean out lint buildup from the dryer vent. Vacuum the vent hose.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove, ensure the chimney is clean and in good condition. This is a critical safety measure, and using a professional chimney sweep for this task is a good idea.

• Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This will push warm air down into the living space.

• Check your emergency kit. This is a year round essential, especially in the Bay Area, so make sure you have your go bag ready.

Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

• Clean up garden debris. In the cooler months, your garden may be extra inviting to local fauna. Deer and rabbits, among others, see an easy meal, so check fencing and other deterrents. Cleaning up decaying foliage helps with insect control now and during the primary growing season. The compost pile will benefit and be ready for spring. If you have a lot of garden space, consider planting a cover crop.

• Plant or divide perennials. Perennial plants should be dug up and divided before winter. Fall is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs like roses or hydrangeas. This gives them time to develop a good root system before spring.

• Check walkways, railings, stairs, and the driveway for safety hazards. If we’re fortunate enough to get some rain, slippery and uneven pavement will be more difficult to navigate.

• Store or cover outdoor furniture. When the pleasant fall weather turns chilly, you can prolong the useful life of your outdoor furniture by protecting it from harsh conditions.

• Check the storm drains near your property. Notify your city by calling 311 to report any problems. It’s important to keep garbage and chemicals away from the drainage system since the runoff ends up in the Bay.

• Test your sump pump if you have one. These are fairly common in East Bay homes where basements and garages may be below grade. A sump pump failure in case of a big rain can allow substantial water damage to occur.