Ask Angi: How Should I Prepare for Fall?

Here are five fall projects worth moving to the top of your list before the first frost.

A professional chimney sweep can also check for blockages, cracks, or loose mortar that could allow dangerous gases into your home. Schedule service before heavy use in winter so your fireplace is safe, efficient, and ready for cozy evenings by the fire. Steirus/Dreamstime/TNS

By Angie Hicks Ask Angi

It may still be hot in much of the nation, but the crisp mornings and falling leaves mean autumn isn’t far away, and winter is close behind.

This is your chance to button up the house, prep your equipment, and make sure you’re ready for the long, cold months ahead. Tackling these tasks now not only keeps you more comfortable through the season but also heads off costly repairs in the middle of winter.

Here are five fall projects worth moving to the top of your list before the first frost.

1. Test Alarms and Detectors

Before you worry about the cold, make sure your home’s most critical safety devices are in top form. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, ideally once a month. If it’s been longer than you can remember, make it the first thing you do this fall. Replace batteries annually, unless you have a 10-year sealed unit. In that case, replace the entire alarm at the end of its lifespan.

Follow National Fire Protection Association guidelines: install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, on each floor of the home, and near main living spaces. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on each floor as well.

Many homeowners handle testing and battery replacement themselves, but a local handyperson can quickly take care of installation, replacement, and even rewiring if necessary.

2. Chimney and Fireplace Care

Fireplaces bring warmth and charm to chilly fall nights, but neglecting upkeep can turn them into a hazard.

Over time, soot and creosote build up in the chimney, creating a serious fire risk. If you plan on lighting your fireplace this season, get a chimney cleaning for about $250. A professional chimney sweep can also check for blockages, cracks, or loose mortar that could allow dangerous gases into your home.

Schedule service before heavy use in winter so your fireplace is safe, efficient, and ready for cozy evenings.

3. Gutters, Roof, and Drainage

Falling leaves are beautiful, but they can clog your gutters quickly, leading to water damage, ice dams and foundation issues. Clean gutters now and check that downspouts direct water at least five feet from the house.

While you’re up there, do a visual roof inspection. Look for missing, curling, or broken shingles, as well as sagging spots or signs of moss and algae growth.

If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hire a professional. Roof and gutter work can be dangerous without the right equipment, and a pro can also spot damage that’s easy to overlook from the ground.

4. Prep Your Yard and Deck for Winter

Give your lawn a strong send-off before it goes dormant. Fall is prime time for overseeding to fill in bare patches, applying a slow-release fertilizer to nourish roots, and planting bulbs that will bloom in spring. Rake leaves regularly to prevent smothering grass, and compost them if possible.

Inspect your deck for loose boards, wobbly railings, or signs of rot. Repair or replace damaged areas now so winter weather doesn’t make things worse. A weekend of cleaning and applying a water-repelling sealant can protect the wood from snow, ice, and moisture until spring.

Outdoor plumbing also needs attention. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and store them indoors. Shut off outdoor spigots and drain excess water to prevent freezing. Add faucet covers for extra protection. If you have an irrigation system, hire a pro to blow out the lines and prevent frozen pipes from cracking.

5. Ready Your Tools and Equipment

Autumn is your last chance to prep outdoor equipment for the offseason.

Clean lawn mowers, string trimmers and other gear to remove grass clippings and dirt that can cause rust. Sharpen blades, change oil, replace air filters, and disconnect batteries for storage.

Check snowblowers now so you’re not making emergency repairs during the first snowfall. Inspect bolts, belts, skid shoes, and augers, and make sure you have enough fuel on hand.

Stock up on deicer for walkways and driveways, and replace worn shovels before they’re hard to find.

If you use a generator, test it now and store extra fuel safely.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. Copyright 2025 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].