Fall Home Prep Checklist!

Prescott’s beautiful fall season brings a welcome change, with warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. This transition is the perfect time for homeowners to tackle essential maintenance before winter arrives.

Your Prescott Fall Maintenance Checklist

Here are the key tasks to address this season, tailored for Prescott’s unique four-season climate.

1. Service Your HVAC System: Your heating system has been dormant all summer. Schedule a professional service to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely before you need it. At a minimum, change your air filters to improve air quality and system performance.
2. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts: Prescott’s older, historic homes are charming but often drafty. The temperature swings from day to night at our elevation make sealing your home critical. Check windows and doors for worn weatherstripping and apply new caulk or seals where needed. This simple step can significantly lower your heating bills.
3. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: The summer monsoon can take a toll on your roof. Visually inspect it for any loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Clear your gutters of debris, especially pine needles, which are common in our area. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage when the first freeze hits.
4. Create Defensible Space: Wildfire preparedness is a year-round reality. Fall is an excellent time to clean up your yard. Remove dead vegetation, trim tree branches away from your roof, and clear pine needles and leaves from your property to maintain essential defensible space.
5. Winterize Your Irrigation System: An early freeze can cause significant damage to your irrigation lines and backflow preventer. Shut off your system and drain the water from the pipes. Insulate your backflow device and any exposed pipes to prevent them from bursting in a cold snap.
6. Prepare Your Fireplace or Wood Stove: Many Prescott homes rely on fireplaces, pellet stoves, or wood stoves for warmth. Have your chimney professionally swept and test your unit to make sure it’s functioning correctly before the first cold night. Or do it yourself! Here is a step-by-step video.
7. Prevent Pest Intrusions: As temperatures drop, rodents and insects look for a warm place to spend the winter. Seal any small cracks or holes in your foundation, siding, and around utility lines to keep unwanted guests out.
8. Test Safety Devices: This is a simple but vital task. Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. With windows closed and heaters running, these devices are your first line of defense.

Stay Ahead of Winter

Taking a weekend to work through this checklist will give you peace of mind throughout the winter. By preparing for Prescott’s unique climate challenges—from monsoon recovery to sudden freezes—you protect your investment and create a safe, comfortable home. Don’t wait for the first frost; start your fall prep today.