Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Ready Before Winter Hits
The jobs to do in autumn, from gutters and outside taps to the boiler service, alarms and draughts, so your home is ready before winter weather arrives.
Autumn is the best time to prepare a home for winter. The weather is still mild enough for outside jobs, and trades are less busy than in the first cold snap. This checklist covers the outside, the inside and the heating, in the order most people find easiest.
The quick answer
- Clear gutters, downpipes and drains once most leaves have fallen
- Check the roof, chimney and fences from the ground
- Drain and cover outside taps
- Service the boiler and bleed radiators before the heating goes on full time
- Draught-proof doors and windows, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Outside
| Job | Why |
| Clear gutters and downpipes | Prevents overflow, damp walls and leaks |
| Clear drains and gullies of leaves | Stops flooding and blockages |
| Check roof tiles and flashing from the ground | Catches leaks before storms |
| Check fences, gates and sheds | Storm damage is common in winter |
| Clear moss and leaves from paths and steps | Prevents slips |
| Drain and cover outside taps | Prevents frozen and burst pipes |
| Store or cover garden furniture | Extends its life |
| Keep air bricks clear | Ventilation prevents damp under floors |
Inside
- Bleed radiators and check they heat evenly
- Fit draught excluders to doors, letterboxes and gaps
- Check window seals, and reseal where needed
- Check bath and shower seals before condensation season
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries
- Find your stopcock and check it turns
- Check the loft for leaks, damp patches and insulation depth
Heating
- Book a boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Turn the heating on for a short time before you need it, to find problems early
- Bleed radiators that are cold at the top
- Check the boiler pressure is in the right range
- Set the timer and thermostat, remembering the clocks go back at the end of October
Our radiator guide explains bleeding and pressure.
Damp and condensation
Autumn is when condensation starts. Check behind furniture on outside walls and around windows for early signs of mould, and keep extractor fans and trickle vents working. Our condensation, damp and mould guide explains what to look for.
For landlords
Autumn is a good time for a property inspection, with proper notice to tenants. Make sure the gas safety record is current, alarms work and tenants know how to report problems. See our landlord maintenance checklist.
Frequently asked questions
When should I clear my gutters?
Late autumn, once most leaves have fallen. Homes near trees may need them cleared more than once.
When should I service my boiler?
Once a year, ideally in late summer or early autumn before demand peaks.
Can you do several autumn jobs in one visit?
Yes. Sending a full list lets us plan an efficient visit.
Related guides
- Winter home maintenance checklist
- Fence repairs after storms
- Winter-proofing: insulation and draught-proofing
- Draughty or failing windows
- Front and back doors before winter
- Garden decking care
Send your list and photos with your postcode, or call 07444 262522.