Preparing Your Home for Fall and Winter Weather

A seasonal check can help you notice small maintenance needs before colder weather arrives. Use your home’s manuals and maintenance information to choose the tasks that apply to its equipment and materials.

Check doors and windows

Look for worn weatherstripping, gaps, and damaged seals. Keep window drainage openings clear; do not caulk over them. Ask for advice if you are unsure which opening is intended to drain.

Prepare the heating system

Check the filter and follow the replacement interval specified for your system and filter type. Keep supply and return vents unobstructed. Arrange professional service if the system makes unusual sounds, does not heat as expected, or is due for maintenance.

Look at gutters and drainage

From the ground, check for visible debris, overflowing gutters, and downspouts that are disconnected or blocked. Have a qualified person handle work at height. After rain, note any standing water or changes in how water drains around the house.

Prepare outdoor plumbing before a freeze

Disconnect garden hoses and follow the instructions for your outdoor faucets and irrigation system. A plumber can explain how to protect exposed lines and any system-specific shutoffs. Know where the main water shutoff is before you need it.

Do not use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. For freeze preparation and response, consult the American Red Cross’s frozen-pipe guidance.

Keep a dated list of what you checked and any work completed. If you need to raise a service concern about your Alta home, the warranty page provides the contact route.