October Home Maintenance Tips And Checklist

Home Tasks

Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows and repair or replace if necessary.
Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter.
Clean gutters after leaves have fallen. Make sure downspouts are in good repair.
Check gauges on home fire extinguishers to ensure a full charge. Replace if necessary.
Paint interior rooms while it’s still cool enough to leave windows open. Ditto for shampooing or replacing carpets.
Unclogging the drains. Inspect your sink drains and tub for debris. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down into the drains followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Leave for 3 hours, and then run water. You can also use any other noncorrosive drain cleaner to unclog your drain.

Vacuum heat registers.

Seal gaps in window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping.

Check fireplace for damage and schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.

Flip the switch on ceiling fans so air blows up.

Turn off water supply to outdoor faucets.

Drain and store hoses for the winter.

Winterize air conditioning system, covering unit to protect from leaves and snow.

Rake leaves and cut back dormant plants in garden.

Aerate down.