This post is in partnership with FilterEasy
When we lived in our previous house, I thought we were pretty good about regular maintenance. It helped that the home was fairly new and we had updated many things ourselves, but every house needs seasonal care. Some tasks are easier to handle before weather turns colder and wetter. And then there are the seasonal updates that are simply for fun — my favorite kind.
Fall is an excellent time to refresh paint or stain on your front door and porch. If the rain holds off and temperatures are mild, a fresh coat will protect wood surfaces and boost curb appeal. It also sets the stage for seasonal wreaths and porch décor.
We updated our front door and back deck in previous projects and found it’s fun to make small changes that transform the look of the house.
If you have window boxes or planters, fill them with fall foliage. I’ve always loved the seasonal window boxes I used to see in my Portland neighborhood. Changing window box plantings with the seasons is a simple way to keep the exterior feeling fresh and welcoming.
I enjoy planting seasonal foliage and cutting fresh flowers to bring indoors. A simple bouquet made from outdoor clippings can instantly make your home feel cozy and remind you why fall is such a lovely season.
One thing I’ve learned is to plan holiday outdoor decorating ahead of time. My goal is to hang Christmas lights around the porch in October, when it’s still pleasant outside. It may seem early, but being able to install lights without freezing your fingers is a delight come December. Tackling outdoor decorating tasks before the cold and wet weather arrives makes the season more enjoyable.
Five important fall maintenance tasks that are easy to forget
1. Remove garden hoses and turn off outdoor water valves.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ice dams.
3. Inspect the roof, driveways and walkways for damage and needed repairs.
4. Have the fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected.
5. Replace furnace and return-air filters — a critical task year-round.
As temperatures drop and weather becomes harsher, these steps protect your home, save money in the long run and keep your family safe.
I used to be terrible at remembering to change air filters. Open a dirty return vent and it can look like furry dust bunnies have taken over. If you haven’t checked your furnace and return vents lately, take a look — you might be surprised. Filters should generally be changed every three months; leaving them dirty reduces HVAC efficiency, lowers air quality and can lead to costly repairs. Regular filter changes save energy and keep your home healthier.
To simplify the task, I started using a subscription filter service that delivers replacement filters on a schedule. The convenience removes guesswork, and many services price filters competitively with in-store options and include free shipping. That means no more driving around hunting for the right sizes or forgetting which sizes you need.
Automating chores I don’t want to think about has been a big stress- and time-saver. Signing up for filter deliveries ensures I remember to change them on schedule and keeps my home’s air cleaner. That’s one less small chore to worry about as the seasons change.
Once fall maintenance tasks are handled, your home will feel cozy, secure and well-prepared for the season.
Giveaway & free set of air filters for your home
The first 100 readers to enter the giveaway will receive a shipment of free replacement filters for their home. Enter the giveaway to claim the offer — the promotion applies to the first 100 qualifying entries. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner of the gift card will be announced on September 23rd.