Fall prep is about winterizing. Complete these tasks before the first freeze and you'll avoid the majority of winter emergency repairs — burst pipes, ice dams, and heating failures.
Est. cost: $75–$200
High priorityEst. cost: $15–$75
High priorityEst. cost: Free
High priorityEst. cost: $150–$400
High priorityEst. cost: Free check; $200–$800 damper replacement
Medium priorityStock firewood early and store it covered, away from the house (fire and pest risk)
Est. cost: $150–$400 per cord
Low priorityEst. cost: Free DIY
Medium priorityEst. cost: $75–$200 professional blow-out
High priorityShut off interior valves to outdoor faucets — drain the lines by opening the exterior faucet
Est. cost: Free
High priorityDrain garden hoses completely and store in garage or shed
Est. cost: Free
Medium priorityEst. cost: $50–$200 DIY
High priorityEst. cost: Free
High priorityHave any outdoor pool or fountain plumbing blown out and winterized
Est. cost: $150–$400 professional
Medium priorityEst. cost: Free–$600 minor repair
High priorityEst. cost: $75–$250
High priorityCheck and clean downspout extensions away from foundation
Est. cost: Free
Medium priorityInspect and re-caulk exterior gaps — cold weather makes existing caulk brittle
Est. cost: $20–$60 DIY
Medium priorityEst. cost: $100–$500 repair
High priorityEst. cost: $400–$2,500 per tree
High priorityCheck weatherstripping on all exterior doors — replace if you can feel a draft or see daylight
Est. cost: $20–$80 DIY per door
High priorityAdd door sweeps to exterior doors that show gaps at the bottom
Est. cost: $15–$40 per door
Medium priorityInspect window caulking and weatherstripping — cold air infiltration raises heating costs 10–15%
Est. cost: $20–$60 DIY
Medium priorityReverse ceiling fans to clockwise rotation (low speed) to recirculate warm air from ceiling
Est. cost: Free
Low priorityEst. cost: Free inspection; $1,500–$4,500 if adding insulation
Medium priorityInstall window insulation film on drafty windows if replacement is not yet feasible
Est. cost: $5–$15 per window DIY
Low priorityTest smoke and CO detectors — replace units older than 7–10 years
Est. cost: $5–$10 batteries; $20–$60 new detector
High priorityCheck emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, water, blankets, and first aid kit
Est. cost: Varies
Medium priorityConfirm you know location of electrical panel, main water shutoff, and gas shutoff
Est. cost: Free
High priorityEst. cost: Free on FixaPros
Low priorityRequest estimates from up to three matched contractors when available. Confirm their service area and credentials directly; an estimate request does not book an appointment.
Get Free Quotes