As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to dip, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A proactive fall maintenance checklist can help ensure your house stays warm, energy-efficient, and problem-free throughout the winter. Tackling these essential tasks now can also prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs during the peak of the heating season.
Here’s your comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist—with expert tips from Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, your trusted partner for all things HVAC.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Your home’s gutter system plays a vital role in directing rainwater and melting snow away from your roof and foundation. In the fall, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris.
✔ Remove all debris to prevent overflow and ice dams, which can cause serious water damage.
✔ Check downspouts to ensure they drain properly and are angled away from the foundation.
✔ Consider installing gutter guards to minimize future clogs and reduce seasonal maintenance.
Neglected gutters can lead to costly structural damage and mold growth—especially in freeze-thaw climates like Minnesota.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Cold drafts can easily sneak into your home through small gaps and cracks around windows and doors, causing your heating system to work harder and raising your energy bills.
✔ Apply caulk around window frames, and use weatherstripping on doors to block drafts.
✔ Don’t forget baseboards, attic hatches, and vents, which are common culprits for air leaks.
✔ Use thermal curtains or window film for added insulation during the coldest months.
Proper sealing not only improves comfort but also reduces the strain on your HVAC system—leading to energy savings and better indoor air quality.
3. Check Your Heating System
Before the first deep freeze, it’s important to make sure your furnace or heating system is in good working order.
✔ Test your thermostat to ensure it responds correctly and maintains your desired temperature.
✔ Turn on your furnace for a few minutes and listen for unusual sounds like clanking or screeching, which could signal mechanical issues.
✔ Replace or clean your air filter to improve airflow, system efficiency, and indoor air quality.
The earlier you check, the more time you have to schedule service if repairs or adjustments are needed.
4. Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney
If your home has a fireplace, especially a wood-burning one, now’s the time to prepare it for safe, efficient use.
✔ Clear out ashes and soot from the firebox.
✔ Inspect for creosote buildup, which is highly flammable and should be professionally cleaned.
✔ Schedule a chimney sweep if it hasn’t been cleaned in the past year.
Even if you only use your fireplace occasionally, annual maintenance is important for fire prevention and proper ventilation.
5. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Your furnace is the heart of your home during winter, and a pre-season tune-up ensures it’s ready to handle the months ahead.
✔ A tune-up includes inspecting components, tightening connections, checking fuel lines, and testing for carbon monoxide leaks.
✔ Routine maintenance improves system efficiency, extends the life of your furnace, and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.
✔ You may also catch small issues early—before they turn into costly repairs on the coldest day of the year.
Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Is Your Fall Comfort Partner
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that fall preparation isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient home. With over 50 years of experience serving the Twin Cities, we offer:
Expert furnace tune-ups and safety inspections
Air filter replacements for cleaner air and better performance
Honest guidance on repairs or replacements when needed
Maintenance plans for peace of mind all season long
Whether your system just needs a checkup or you’re ready to upgrade to a more energy-efficient furnace, we’re here to help make sure your home stays cozy—no matter how cold it gets outside.
📞 Call Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance.
Don’t wait for the first frost—get ahead of winter with our expert fall maintenance services.