Fall home maintenance checklist

17 jobs, timed for mild winters. Tick them off as you go.

1. September

   • Descale the tankless water heater (or book it)If you have: Tankless water heater
   • Walk the drain field for soggy spots or odorsIf you have: Septic tank
   • Book a chimney sweep and inspectionIf you have: Fireplace or wood stove
   • Run the sump pump by pouring water into the pitIf you have: Sump pump

2. October

   • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
   • Book a heating tune-up before the coldIf you have: Furnace
   • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
   • Flush sediment from the water heater (or book it)If you have: Tank water heater
   • Have the water heater's anode rod checkedIf you have: Tank water heater
   • Look over the well cap and the ground around itIf you have: Well
   • Close the pool for winterIf you have: Pool
   • Check window and door seals for drafts
   • Seal gaps where pests get in before cold nights

3. November

   • Clear leaves and snow away from the outdoor unitIf you have: Heat pump
   • Clean the gutters and downspoutsIf you have: Gutters
   • Shut off and drain the sprinklersIf you have: Sprinklers
   • Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets

Lines marked "If you have" apply only to houses with that feature. The free planner on the home page drops them for you and saves a calendar file that repeats every year.