10 Pre-Fall Cleaning Tasks You Can't Afford To Skip

As the seasons change and the summer comes to an end, there are certain pre-fall cleaning tasks homeowners should do to prepare for the cooler weather. From winterizing your lawn to preparing your fireplace, these pre-fall tasks are crucial when preparing your home for the cold weather and avoiding bigger, detrimental issues down the line.

Short on time? Not to worry. With Thumbtack, a home services app used by millions, you can find and hire top-rated local professionals to help you tackle that pre-fall to-do list in no time. Keep reading for 10 seasonal maintenance tasks you can’t afford to skip.

1. Get Your Furnace Checked

Having someone inspect your furnace’s condition before the cold weather kicks in ensures you won’t encounter any heating issues when it matters most. Using the Thumbtack app, you can find a local HVAC professional to advise you on the condition of your furnace. An experienced professional will ensure your system is working efficiently and safely, and if any issues are discovered, they can recommend the next steps for a repair or tune-up.

Related: How much does service from a professional HVAC technician cost?

2. Fertilize The Lawn

Using fertilizer on your lawn keeps grass healthy and prepared for the colder months ahead. However, to avoid doing it harm, it's important to fertilize your lawn at the right time of year. Doing it too early could damage your grass during the winter, and could even bring diseases like snow mold the following spring.

Homeowners can look to lawn-care pros to get the help they need. A professional lawn service knows exactly when to fertilize and will keep your yard looking its best. Not only will this individual have recommendations about when to fertilize, but they may also recommend additional services like seeding, aerating and dethatching that can keep your lawn healthy all year long.

Related: How much do professional lawn services cost?

3. Fix Cracks In Driveways And Sidewalks

Over time, cracks in driveways and sidewalks are bound to appear. As the weather changes and temperatures fluctuate, different factors, such as soil erosion and settling concrete, can cause cracks to occur. Failing to prepare soil correctly before laying concrete can also cause issues down the line.

Fixing cracks in the pavement is no small task. That’s why you should consider bringing in a concrete contractor to fix cracks in driveways and sidewalks for you. When you hire a pro, you can rest assured the job will be done well the first time, which ultimately saves you time and money in the long run.

Related: How much does hiring concrete specialists cost?

4. Inspect Roofs And Gutters

In addition to the unsightly appearance of gunk buildup, inspecting and cleaning roofs and gutters helps to avoid bigger issues with your home later. A broken shingle can easily let the elements in, causing major problems for a homeowner if not addressed properly and quickly. By fixing a minor roof repair now, you can prevent damage from spreading and causing the need for a larger repair, or even a costly roof replacement, later.

When a homeowner needs their roof or gutter inspected, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. You shouldn’t attempt to inspect your roof on your own, as you could get seriously hurt by falling off a ladder or slipping off the roof. Instead, use Thumbtack to find and hire a roof inspection professional in your area.

Related: How much does a professional roof inspection cost?

5. Drain And Store Garden Hoses

Draining, cleaning, and preparing the water systems in your yard is a crucial task to get done before the weather gets too cold. Winterize your system by shutting off and draining the water, turning off timers and insulating above-ground parts. Homeowners who don’t take proper precautions may find that one cold night is all it takes to ruin a hose — or worse, cause major issues like basement flooding due to a burst pipe.

Hire a professional to winterize spigots with an insulated cover and prepare your sprinkler system in preparation for the cooler weather. Depending on your climate, you may still use water fixtures in the fall, in which case you’ll want to wait until later to complete this task.

6. Prep Your Fireplace

Before you light your first cozy autumn fire, clean out your fireplace and get your chimney swept by a professional. This should be done at least once a year to avoid chimney fires from any soot and other buildup that accumulates in and around your fireplace throughout the season.

Call in a fireplace inspector to look for problem areas that the average homeowner may not recognize. An unchecked chimney can lead to an increased risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a fireplace inspector can determine if there is any creosote buildup, flue blockages, cracks, or other issues that could cause damage to your home and endanger your family.

Related: How much does a professional chimney sweep cost?

7. Store Patio Furniture

Patio furniture is designed to withstand the summer elements. However, once fall comes, it’s important to protect it from the harsher weather. Clean and thoroughly dry furniture before storing it for the season and make sure to put it somewhere safe, protected and out of the way. Proper storage keeps your belongings in good condition so you can keep using them year after year.

8. Wash The Windows

Throughout the seasons, pollen and dust make their way into homes and build up in and around windows, which often worsens allergies and makes a home feel less clean. If you don’t remove the mess before the season changes, you’ll be stuck with dirty windows all year long.

Washing windows can be an extremely time-consuming task — and for those who live in multi-story homes, it’s dangerous to attempt on your own. Save time and get the job done right by hiring professional window washers. Hiring a professional means you can trust they’ll have the proper equipment and training to do the job safely and correctly.

Related: How much does it cost to have your windows professionally cleaned?

9. Check Dryer Vents For Buildup

While lint screens should be cleared out after every load of laundry, your dryer vents should also be checked periodically for both a homeowner’s safety and to keep your appliances running properly. If you spot lint buildup in the vents that are attached to your wall, call in a professional who will know exactly how to efficiently and safely clean it out. With Thumbtack, you can find and hire a professional dryer vent cleaner in your area to get the job done.

10. Ensure Tight Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping keeps your home insulated so it stays warm during the colder months. Check your weatherstripping on doors and windows throughout your home to ensure that it has a tight seal to prevent air leaks around places such as doors or windows. For best results, bring in a professional who can ensure your weatherstripping is installed properly and will withstand your area’s weather, temperature changes, and day-to-day use.

Get Help From A Local Professional Using Thumbtack

Preparing for cooler weather can feel like a never-ending task, but it doesn’t have to be with the help of Thumbtack. Visit Thumbtack to find a local professional in your area who can help check off all of your pre-fall cleaning tasks, whether it’s window washing, roof and gutter inspection, chimney sweeping or anything in between. Using the app, you can browse rates, reviews, and availability to find the right person to help with your to-do list.

Let Thumbtack help you find and hire the right pros to tackle your pre-fall to-do list!

*A note about project costs linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.