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Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and protecting that investment starts with regular maintenance. In Michigan—especially here in Livingston County—fall is the time to get serious about preparing your home for the cold months ahead. Winters here can bring heavy snow, icy winds, and freezing temperatures that put stress on every part of your house.
If you skip fall maintenance, you might face problems like frozen pipes, roof leaks, or heating system breakdowns. And those problems usually cost way more to fix than to prevent.
Think of this checklist as your step-by-step guide to getting your home winter-ready. Each section has simple tips, real-life examples, and extra advice to help you keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
- Clean Out Your Gutters
Gutters are like your home’s drainage system. They carry water away from the roof and foundation. When they’re clogged with leaves, dirt, and pine needles, water overflows and can damage your siding, basement, and even your foundation. In winter, clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under shingles.
What to do:
- Put on gloves and scoop out leaves and twigs.
- Use a hose to flush gutters and check that water flows freely.
- Make sure downspouts extend 3–4 feet away from your home. You can buy inexpensive extensions at hardware stores.
- Add gutter guards to reduce future buildup.
Extra Tips:
- Check your gutters after every big fall storm.
- If your home has tall trees nearby, you may need to clean gutters more than once before winter.
- Look for signs of sagging gutters or loose brackets—repair them right away so they don’t break under heavy snow.
- Service Your HVAC System
Your furnace and heating system will work the hardest during Michigan’s long winters. If you don’t check it before the cold hits, you risk facing a breakdown at the worst possible time—like in January when it’s below zero.
What to do:
- Schedule a professional HVAC check-up. They’ll clean the system, look for worn parts, and make sure it’s safe.
- Replace your air filter every 1–3 months. Dirty filters force your furnace to work harder and cost more in energy bills.
- Test your thermostat—make sure it’s accurate and responds quickly.
- Winterize your AC unit by covering it with a breathable cover to protect from ice.
Extra Tips:
- Ask your HVAC technician how efficient your system is. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can save hundreds over the years.
- Consider a smart thermostat. You can set schedules or even adjust temperatures from your phone—perfect for saving money while you’re away.
- Listen for strange noises when your furnace runs—squeaks, rattles, or banging sounds may mean something needs repair.
- Inspect Windows and Doors
Even the tiniest draft can make your home feel chilly and waste energy. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy says windows and doors account for up to 30% of heat loss in homes. That means higher heating bills and less comfort.
What to do:
- Feel around edges of windows and doors for cold air leaks.
- Add or replace weatherstripping and caulk.
- Install door sweeps on the bottom of exterior doors.
- Use insulated curtains or thermal blinds to keep warm air inside.
Extra Tips:
- Temporary fixes like shrink-film window insulation kits are inexpensive and effective.
- Storm doors and storm windows add another layer of insulation and protection.
- If replacing windows isn’t in your budget yet, focus on sealing cracks and adding window treatments for immediate results.
- Tidy Up Your Yard
Your yard needs attention before snow covers it for months. If you don’t prepare now, you could deal with dead grass, broken branches, or pests making a home in your yard (or worse, your house).
What to do:
- Rake and remove leaves regularly to prevent mold and suffocated grass.
- Trim overhanging branches that could snap under snow and damage your roof or power lines.
- Store patio furniture, umbrellas, and grills in a garage or shed.
- Drain and coil garden hoses; shut off outdoor water valves.
- Schedule a sprinkler system blowout if you have one.
Extra Tips:
- Aerate and fertilize your lawn in late fall. This helps grass roots absorb nutrients before going dormant.
- Plant spring bulbs (like tulips or daffodils) in the fall for a colorful yard next year.
- Cover delicate shrubs with burlap to protect them from ice and wind.
- Check Your Roof and Chimney
Your roof is your home’s shield against winter weather. One missing shingle can turn into a leak that damages insulation, drywall, and even wiring. Chimneys also need to be cleaned so soot and creosote don’t cause chimney fires.
What to do:
- Inspect your roof from the ground with binoculars. Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles.
- Check for sagging areas, loose flashing, or clogged vents.
- Schedule a chimney sweep if you use your fireplace. Creosote buildup is a major fire risk.
- Install a chimney cap to keep out rain, snow, and animals.
Extra Tips:
- After your inspection, take photos of your roof. This creates a record to compare against after winter storms.
- If your home is older, consider upgrading insulation in the attic—it helps prevent ice dams.
- A small repair now could save you thousands in emergency roof fixes during winter.
- Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. They can burst and flood your basement, ruining furniture, floors, and even the structure of your home.
What to do:
- Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor spigots.
- Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation sleeves.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks during extreme cold to let warm air circulate.
- Locate your main shut-off valve now—so you know what to do if a pipe bursts.
Extra Tips:
- If you go on vacation in winter, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F to protect pipes.
- Consider installing smart water leak detectors for peace of mind. They alert you to leaks before they become disasters.
- Test Safety Devices
Winter increases the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters, and candles all add warmth but also risk. Safety devices need to be tested before you rely on them.
What to do:
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed.
- Make sure you have detectors on every floor and near bedrooms.
- Check expiration dates on fire extinguishers.
- Review your family’s fire escape plan.
Extra Tips:
- Install smart detectors that send alerts to your phone.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
- Never use an oven or grill as a heat source indoors.
- Declutter and Organize Inside
Since Michigan winters keep us indoors for months, fall is the perfect time to declutter and deep clean. A tidy home feels more comfortable and is easier to maintain.
What to do:
- Organize coats, boots, and winter gear—donate extras.
- Set up a mudroom area with mats and hooks to catch snow and mud.
- Deep clean carpets and rugs before windows stay shut all season.
- Clear out cluttered areas like basements and garages to make room for winter storage.
Extra Tips:
- Create a “winter readiness kit” with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a weather radio in case of power outages.
- Stock up on winter essentials like salt, shovels, and extra blankets before the first big storm.
Livingston County Homeowner Tips
Livingston County has its own quirks when it comes to fall maintenance:
- Rural areas: Homes in townships may rely on wells and septic systems. Schedule a septic tank inspection and pump if needed before the ground freezes.
- Snow prep: If your driveway is long, consider arranging snow removal services in advance. Contractors book up quickly once the first storm hits.
- Wood-burning fireplaces: Many rural homes use wood heat. Stock up on seasoned wood in the fall—it burns cleaner and reduces creosote buildup.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to prepare your home in fall is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner in Southeast Michigan. By cleaning gutters, servicing your furnace, sealing windows, tidying your yard, inspecting your roof, protecting pipes, checking safety devices, and organizing indoors, you’re not just preventing problems—you’re also saving money and stress.
Your home is your biggest investment. A few weekends of fall maintenance can keep it strong through winter and make spring a lot easier.
