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Fall in Michigan brings crisp air, colorful trees, and cozy weekends. But it’s also a warning sign that winter isn’t far behind. For homeowners in Livingston County and all across Southeast Michigan, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures arrive.
Michigan winters can be harsh — pipes can freeze, roofs can leak, and heating systems can fail at the worst possible time. A little effort now can prevent big problems (and repair bills) later.
Here’s a complete checklist of home maintenance tasks to tackle before winter hits, so you can enjoy the season with peace of mind knowing your home is safe, warm, and protected.
- Inspect and Service Your Furnace
Your furnace is the heart of your home during a Michigan winter. It keeps your family warm and comfortable through months of freezing temperatures. But like any machine, it needs regular maintenance to run efficiently.
Why this matters:
A neglected furnace can break down mid-winter or use more energy than necessary. Servicing it in the fall can help avoid expensive repairs or even replacements.
What to do:
- Schedule a professional inspection: Have an HVAC technician clean the unit, inspect the burners, and make sure there are no gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues.
- Replace the air filter: A dirty filter blocks airflow and makes your system work harder. Change it every 1–3 months.
- Check your thermostat: Test if it’s working properly. If you have an old one, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to save on heating costs.
- Listen and smell: Unusual noises or burning smells when you first turn on the furnace can signal something is wrong—don’t ignore them.
Pro Tip:
Book your tune-up early in fall. HVAC companies get busy once the first cold snap hits!
- Clean Out and Inspect Gutters
Your gutters play a big role in protecting your home from water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, melting snow and rain can’t drain properly. Instead, water can overflow, freeze, and cause damage to your roof, siding, or foundation.
Why this matters:
Clean gutters prevent ice dams—thick ridges of ice that form on the edge of roofs and can cause serious leaks.
Steps to follow:
- Remove debris: Use gloves and a small trowel to scoop out leaves and dirt.
- Flush with water: Use a garden hose to ensure downspouts are clear.
- Check for damage: Look for cracks, sagging, or sections pulling away from the house.
- Install gutter guards: These can help prevent buildup and reduce cleaning time in the future.
Pro Tip:
Do a second check in late November—after the last leaves fall—to ensure gutters are completely clear before the first snowfall.
- Check the Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Michigan’s snow and ice. Even small cracks or missing shingles can lead to leaks, mold, and expensive water damage.
What to look for:
- Missing or curling shingles: Replace any that look damaged or worn.
- Flashing around vents or chimneys: Make sure it’s not loose or cracked.
- Debris: Clear off branches, leaves, and moss to prevent water pooling.
- Attic check: Look for water stains or daylight coming through the roof boards.
Pro Tip:
If climbing up isn’t your thing, use binoculars or hire a local roofing company. A professional inspection costs less than a roof repair later.
- Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts may seem small, but they can raise your heating bill and make your home feel chilly. Keeping cold air out and warm air in helps your furnace work more efficiently.
How to check for drafts:
- On a windy day, hold a lit candle near window edges and door frames—if the flame flickers, air is sneaking in.
- Check for daylight around door frames and window sashes.
How to fix it:
- Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks.
- Use door sweeps at the bottom of doors.
- Add thermal curtains or window film for extra insulation.
Bonus Tip:
If your home has older windows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. It’s an investment that lowers heating bills and improves comfort all year.
- Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest headaches Michigan homeowners face each winter. When water freezes, it expands—and that can cause pipes to burst, flooding your home.
How to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam insulation sleeves in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Disconnect hoses: Drain garden hoses and store them indoors.
- Shut off outdoor water: Turn off water valves to outdoor faucets and drain them.
- Let faucets drip: On extremely cold nights, keep a small trickle of water running to prevent freezing.
- Keep cabinet doors open: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks.
Pro Tip:
Know where your main shut-off valve is—if a pipe bursts, shutting it off quickly can save you thousands of dollars.
- Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney
Few things are cozier than a crackling fire on a cold Michigan night. But before you strike a match, make sure your fireplace is safe and clean.
What to do:
- Hire a professional chimney sweep: They’ll remove soot, ash, and creosote (a flammable buildup that can cause chimney fires).
- Check for cracks: Look at the bricks and mortar around the fireplace for any damage.
- Inspect the damper: It should open and close smoothly.
- Use dry firewood: Wet or green wood produces more creosote and smoke.
- Check the chimney cap: Make sure it’s intact to keep out rain, birds, and debris.
Safety Tip:
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure your smoke detectors work before using your fireplace.
- Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor areas need attention before snow covers everything. Proper cleanup and storage can extend the life of your tools and furniture.
What to do:
- Rake leaves: A thick layer of leaves can suffocate your lawn and cause mold.
- Store outdoor furniture: Cover or bring patio furniture inside to prevent rust and cracking.
- Drain garden hoses: Leaving water inside can cause them to freeze and burst.
- Winterize sprinklers: Blow out irrigation lines to prevent freezing damage.
- Trim trees and bushes: Cut back overhanging branches that could fall under the weight of snow.
Pro Tip:
Clean your grill and cover it for the season—or move it into the garage once it’s cooled.
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter means more time indoors and more use of heating systems—so safety is key.
Why it matters:
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors save lives. CO is colorless and odorless, and can be deadly if undetected.
Checklist:
- Test detectors monthly.
- Replace batteries every fall (even if they still work).
- Make sure you have detectors on every floor and near bedrooms.
- Replace old units—most detectors only last about 10 years.
Pro Tip:
If you use a gas furnace, fireplace, or generator, a carbon monoxide detector is non-negotiable.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans
This small, often-forgotten step can help warm your home more evenly.
Why it helps:
Warm air rises, and reversing your ceiling fans pushes it back down where you need it most.
How to do it:
- Find the small switch on the fan’s motor housing and flip it.
- Set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed during winter.
Bonus Tip:
In summer, switch it back to counterclockwise to help cool the room.
- Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Once the first snowstorm hits, it’s often too late to get what you need. Prepare now while supplies are easy to find.
What to stock up on:
- Ice melt or salt for driveways and sidewalks.
- Snow shovel or blower—test it now to make sure it works.
- Flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case of power outages.
- Car emergency kit: Include jumper cables, scraper, gloves, and bottled water.
Pro Tip:
Keep extra firewood or space heaters ready—just in case your main heat source goes down temporarily.
Final Thoughts
Winter can be beautiful—but it’s also tough on homes.
Taking a few weekends in the fall to follow this checklist can save you money, prevent damage, and make sure your home stays cozy all season long.
Think of it as giving your home a warm winter coat. By taking care of these small details now, you’ll enjoy a stress-free season—without the surprise of frozen pipes or a broken furnace.
