Autumn home maintenance checklist
Autumn is the season that decides how comfortable — and how expensive — your winter will be. A few small jobs now stop leaks, damp, mould and heat loss before the weather turns.
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High priority
Do these before the first proper cold snap.
Gutters & roof
- Clear all gutters and downpipesLeaves, moss and trapped debris cause water to run down walls and create damp patches inside.
- Check downpipe outlets for blockagesPour a jug of water through to make sure it flows freely.
- Inspect roof edges and flashingsLook for slipped tiles, cracked ridge tiles and loose lead. Cheap to fix now, expensive after winter.
- Trim overhanging branchesStops leaves filling the gutters every week.
Exterior sealing
- Check silicone around windows and door framesReplace anywhere it has cracked or pulled away.
- Inspect brickwork pointingEspecially low walls, sills and step edges. Small gaps let water freeze and expand into structural cracks.
- Re-seal thresholds and sillsKeeps cold draughts and driving rain out.
Heating & boiler
- Bleed the radiatorsMore heat for the same gas cost.
- Top up boiler pressureAim for 1.2–1.5 bar when the system is cold.
- Check inhibitor levelsIf you have a test kit handy.
- Vacuum dust from radiators and behind unitsImproves heat efficiency immediately.
- Change thermostat batteriesSaves a 6am annoyance later.
Draught control
- Check for draughts around doors, floorboards and loft hatchesAdd brush strips, silicone seals or draught excluders.
- Close chimney openings when not in useOpen chimneys pull a surprising amount of heat out of the house.
- Fit thermal curtains to cold windows
Moisture & ventilation
- Bathroom: replace old silicone and check the extractor fanA working fan should hold a sheet of paper lightly against itself.
- Kitchen: confirm the extractor vents outside, not into a wall cavity
- Loft: check insulation isn't blocking soffit ventsStagnant loft air leads to mould.
- Review the washing and drying routineCondensation peaks in autumn because temperature swings are big.
Safety
- Test smoke and CO alarmsReplace batteries even if they still beep.
- Service wood burner or fireplaceSweep the chimney every 1–2 years.
- Check the outside lights are workingIt gets dark earlier — slips and trips happen more.
Medium priority
Worth doing before the clocks change.
Insulation & warmth efficiency
- Check loft insulation depthAim for 270mm. Top up where it's thin or patchy.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the loft, garage or airing cupboard
- Fit radiator reflector foil behind radiators on external walls
- Adjust thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)Bedrooms cooler, living room warmer — saves energy.
Windows & doors
- Add foam or silicone draught seals to internal doorsEspecially if you heat rooms selectively.
- Lubricate window hinges and multi-point locksStops them seizing in cold months.
- Check and tighten door hingesDamp swelling can misalign doors over winter.
Interior surfaces & repairs
- Repair small wall cracks and settlement linesAutumn temperatures are stable enough for filler to cure properly.
- Touch up high-contact paint areasHallways, stairwells, bannister posts, window ledges.
- Check grout and silicone in kitchen splashbacksStops hidden damp behind tiles.
Kitchen & appliances
- Replace cooker hood filtersCarbon and grease mesh.
- Deep clean the oven and hob before the winter cooking season
- Vacuum fridge coils if accessibleReduces energy use.
- Descale the kettle and coffee machine
Laundry & clothes storage
- Sort clothing for winterStore summer clothes to free up space.
- Check the washing machine door seal for mouldWipe with white vinegar and a drop of washing-up liquid.
- Clean tumble dryer lint trap and vent ductFire safety and better efficiency.
Outdoor & garden
- Oil or grease garden gate and shed door hinges
- Clear leaves from the lawnPrevents brown patches.
- Top up gravel or bark on high-traffic garden paths
- Store or properly cover garden furnitureAvoids green algae over winter.
General comfort & order
- Swap duvets to winter weight
- Add cosy lighting to rooms you use in the evenings
- Check throws and blankets are clean and ready
- Refresh the welcome mat and hallway storageAutumn brings muddy shoes.
Low priority
Nice-to-haves that make the home feel cared for.
Appearance & feel
- Wash internal doors, handrails and bannistersRemoves summer grime and fingerprints.
- Polish stainless steel appliancesQuick refresh that makes the kitchen feel sharper.
- Touch up skirting board scuffs
- Wipe light switches and plug socket surrounds
Light & ambience
- Replace yellowed or dim bulbs with warm LEDs
- Add warm lamps to dark corners
- Clean glass light shadesMore brightness for the same energy.
Soft furnishings & fabrics
- Rotate sofa cushions to even out wear
- Wash cushion covers and throwsBefore heavy winter use.
- Vacuum and rotate the mattress
Storage & order
- Organise hallway shoes, coats and bags
- Declutter one drawer or area per week
- Label storage boxes in the loft or garageEasier winter access.
Paperwork & digital household
- Update the household emergency contact sheetBoiler service, insurance, electrician, plumber, handyman.
- Back up photos and clear phone storageAhead of the Christmas season.
Outside aesthetics
- Clean the house number and front door hardware
- Wipe down outdoor lightsRemoves cobwebs and improves brightness.
- Trim low shrubs around paths for neatness and access
Other seasons
Want help with the bigger items on the list?
Send us your ticked-off list — we'll handle the rest. Practical, well-managed work, ranging from touch-ups through to sensible full-room redecorations.