Fall Home Prep for Winter Homeowners

As the days get shorter and first frost hits the forecast, a little prep now can save you from leaks, frozen pipes, surprise breakdowns, and high energy bills later. Use this inspector‑approved checklist to get your home winter‑ready (without the overwhelm).

Quick Check List (Start Here)

• Schedule furnace/boiler service and replace the filter.

• Blow out sprinklers and disconnect hoses.

• Clean gutters + check downspouts (aim for 5–10 feet of discharge away from the foundation).

• Inspect roof + flashings from the ground with binoculars; look for missing shingles and loose drip edge.

• Drain and store garden hoses; shut off and cap exterior hose bibs.

• Test smoke and CO alarms; add fresh batteries.

• Weather‑seal doors/windows (gaps = drafts = higher bills).

• Stock ice melt, shovel, and emergency kit for the first storm.

Heating: Comfort, Safety, and Lower Bills

What to do

• Book a fall HVAC tune‑up: combustion check, heat exchanger inspection, blower cleaning, and ignition test.

• Replace or upgrade to a filter every 60–90 days in heating season.

• Clear 18–24 inches around the furnace and water heater for proper combustion air.

• If you use a humidifier, clean the pad and set to 30–40% RH to avoid condensation on windows.

Inspector tip: If some rooms run cold, have a pro measure static pressure and balance ducts; closing vents often increases pressure and hurts efficiency.

Roof, Gutters, and Ice Dam Prevention

What to do

• Clean gutters and check for loose spikes, sagging, or pinhole leaks at seams.

• Confirm downspouts discharge onto splash blocks or extensions—not right at the foundation.

• From the ground, scan shingles for cupping, curling, or missing tabs; check metal flashings at valleys and chimneys.

• In the attic, look for daylight at penetrations, damp insulation, or dark staining around nails (early moisture signs).

Inspector tip: Ice dams are usually a sign of attic heat loss. Air‑seal attic bypasses (can lights, bath fans, plumbing stacks) and top up insulation after sealing. Heat cables are a band‑aid—target air leaks first.

Exterior Water Lines and Sprinklers

What to do

• Winterize irrigation with a proper blow‑out.

• Shut off hose bib valves inside the home (if present) and open exterior faucets to drain.

• Install insulated covers on outdoor spigots.

Inspector tip: If your hose bib isn’t frost‑free or lacks a vacuum breaker, add one now. Frozen split lines are a top winter claim.

Doors, Windows, and Air Leaks

What to do

• Replace brittle weatherstripping; add a door sweep where you see light.

• Use high‑quality silicone caulk around trim, sills, and exterior penetrations.

• Consider interior window film kits on drafty originals as a low‑cost, reversible fix.

5‑minute test: On a breezy day, hold a stick of incense near suspected gaps; drifting smoke reveals air leaks.

Fireplace and Chimney (Wood & Gas)

What to do

• Have wood‑burning chimneys inspected and swept if you burned last season.

• Check spark arrestor intact and cap secure.

• For gas fireplaces, clean glass and logs, vacuum the compartment, and test the thermopile/thermocouple.

Safety note: Keep 36 inches clear around the hearth. Never store firewood against the house—hello, pests.

Plumbing and Water Heater

What to do

• Test water heater T&P valve (carefully) and flush a few gallons to remove sediment.

• Insulate exposed hot/cold lines in unheated spaces; add a water heater blanket if the tank isn’t insulated and manufacturer allows it.

• Know where the main shutoff is; tag it for fast access in an emergency.

Frozen‑pipe defense: On single‑digit nights, open sink cabinets on exterior walls and let faucets drip a pencil‑thin stream.

Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

What to do

• Check insulation depth; most Colorado homes do well at R‑49 or higher in the attic.

• Verify soffit and ridge vents are open and not covered by insulation baffles.

• Seal the attic hatch with weatherstripping and a rigid insulated cover.

Inspector tip: Good ventilation + air sealing reduces condensation, ice dams, and musty winter odors.

Safety Devices You’ll Be Glad You Checked

• Test CO and smoke alarms; replace devices older than 10 years (5–7 for combo units per manufacturer).

• Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor; check gauges monthly.

• If you have radon mitigation, confirm the fan is running and the U‑tube manometer shows a pressure difference.

Driveway, Walkways, and Winter Gear

What to do

• Fill small concrete cracks to limit freeze‑thaw damage.

• Stage ice melt, snow shovels, and a roof rake before the first storm.

• Service the snow blower: fresh fuel, oil checked, and a spare shear pin on hand.

Neighborly tip: Use pet‑safe de‑icer near lawns and paw traffic.

Interior Comfort Upgrades (High ROI)

• Programmable or smart thermostat to trim energy use.

• Heavy/thermal curtains on large windows for night insulation.

• Door draft blockers in older homes with charming (drafty) character.

Create Your Fall Prep Calendar (Fast Template)

Week 1: HVAC tune‑up, filter change, schedule chimney sweep.
Week 2: Gutters + downspouts, exterior caulk/weatherstripping.
Week 3: Sprinkler blow‑out, hose bib shutoff, insulate pipes.
Week 4: Attic check, safety devices, driveway/walkway and storm supplies.

When to Call a Pro

• You see water stains on ceilings/walls after storms.

• Furnace cycles short, smells odd, or the CO alarm chirps.

• Attic shows mold, damp insulation, or frost on nails.

• You’re unsure if your roof or chimney needs work.

This is exactly what we look for during a seasonal home check.

Steel Rhino Can Help

A fall Seasonal Home Check with Steel Rhino gives you an inspector’s eyes on the systems that matter—roof, attic, heating, plumbing, and exterior water management—so you can head into winter with confidence and a prioritized list.

Ready to prep like a pro? Book a Fall Seasonal Home Check with Steel Rhino today. Contact us today!