As the leaves change and temperatures drop across Windsor-Essex, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Fall is the perfect season to take care of essential home maintenance tasks that can help you avoid costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home cozy all winter long.
Whether you're a long-time homeowner or recently moved into your dream home in Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle, or somewhere else throughout Windsor-Essex, this fall home maintenance checklist will keep your property in top shape heading into 2026.
Leaves, sticks, and debris can clog your gutters and cause water to overflow which could lead to damage to your roof or foundation. Windsor’s autumn leaves fall fast so check your gutters at least twice this season. You can also consider installing gutter guards on your home to prevent buildup an minimize gutter maintenance.
You don’t want your heating system to fail during the first cold snap of the season, or worse yet not even start up. Annual tune-ups can improve efficiency, extend the life of your unit, and make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead.
Broken seals and draft can lead to increased furnace run time and strain as it works to warm your home leading to higher energy bills in the winter months. Thoroughly inspect all of your windows and doors for cracks and leaks and use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any drafts you find.
Fall wind, rain, and storms along with winter snow and freeze thaw cycles can expose weak spots. Before the weather comes inspect your your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or signs of wear. If you cannot go on your roof, ask a neighbour to hire a local Windsor roofing contractor to perform a detailed inspection before the harsh weather sets in.
Water left in your hoses or outdoor taps can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst leading to costly repairs, especially in the winter months. Shut off exterior water valves located inside, completely drain hoses and store them for the season, and finally cover taps to prevent damage.
Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn can smother your grass and lead to mold growth. If you have a large yard use a mulcher even your lawn mower to help clear the lawn. Even if you lawn has gone dormant this year, clear it, aerate, and fertilize your lawn as well before the first frost to encourage healthy spring growth.
When the cold sets in we start to use our fireplaces, furnaces, and space heaters and proper safety is paramount. Test all of your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Remember, these devices have expiration dates so be sure to check them as well and replace them as necessary.
Windsor winters can be unpredictable and a snow or ice storm can knockout power for periods of time. Make sure you have a kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishables, water, and blankets to stay warm until power is restored. You can also find mobile power packs that can provide power to small electronics.
Windsor-Essex homeowners know that being proactive in the fall pays off all winter long. This checklist is your guide to avoiding expensive repairs, staying warm, and enjoying your home as the seasons change. If you are thinking of making any updates to your home be sure to check out if any rebates or programs are available like these offered through the Government of Ontario.
https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/
https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1005539/ontarios-new-and-expanded-energy-efficiency-programs
Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!
