Fall’s here. The summer heat is finally tapping out, the air’s crisp, and you’re daydreaming about apple cider and flannel. But before you get lost in pumpkin spice bliss, your old house has a to-do list — and it’s staring you right in the face.
Ignore it and winter will win. Tackle it now and you’ll save money, stay cozy, and avoid surprise disasters (looking at you, frozen pipes and peeling paint).
Good news: this isn’t a month-long project. You can knock most of this out in a day or a weekend if you stay focused. Here’s your no-nonsense, keep-the-heat-in checklist.
Windows — Last Call Before It Gets Cold
If you’ve been procrastinating on reglazing or painting your windows, the clock is ticking. Glazing putty and most paints won’t cure properly once temps dip below about 55°. Don’t let an early cold snap lock you out.
Swap out those summer screens for storm windows. Give the screens a rinse, wipe the windows clean, and enjoy your clear fall views now — because once it’s cold, you’re living with smudges until April. (Don’t pretend you’ll wash them in January. You won’t.)
No storm windows? Make your own! DIY storms are a game-changer for drafty old houses and very doable if you’re comfy around power tools. I put together this step-by-step tutorial for interior storms windows and then there is this video for the standard exterior storms below. Big energy savings, huge comfort upgrade.
Drapes — Insulate Like Grandma
Light summer curtains are cute, but they’re doing nothing for your heating bill. Swap them out for heavier winter drapes — think lined, weighty fabric that keeps the chill out.
Pro move: close them at night to lock in warmth, then throw them wide during the day to let the sun heat your rooms for free. Your great-grandmother did this. She also survived without Wi-Fi. Be like her (at least in this one way).
Gutters & Roof — The Least Sexy Job, The Most Important
Nobody wakes up excited to clean gutters. But you know what’s worse? Ice dams, roof leaks, and surprise water damage.
Wait until the bulk of the leaves are down, then get up there. Clear the roof first (yes, before the gutters) — leaves love to hide up there and trap moisture. Then flush the gutters so meltwater can drain freely.
Need the right tools? I rounded up my favorites here: The 6 Best Gutter Cleaning Tools. Whether you’re a “cheap and cheerful” DIYer or you want to go full power-tool mode, I’ve got options.
Painting — Beat the Cold, Protect the Wood
Paint + cold weather = heartbreak. Below 55°, paint struggles to cure. You can do it with the right technique (see my guide: How To: Paint in Cold Weather), but it’s better to wrap it up now.
Hit chipped spots around the house, but pay extra attention to porches and steps. These areas take a beating from snow and rain. A fresh coat now will keep the wood safe all winter and spare you expensive repairs come spring.
Radiators — Bleed ’Em Before It’s Freezing
If you’ve got hot water radiators, now’s the time to show them love. Air can sneak in over the off-season, making them heat unevenly.
The fix? Bleed them. It’s fast, easy, and makes a huge difference in warmth and efficiency. I’ve got a full walkthrough here: How To: Bleed a Radiator.
The Bottom Line
Spend one crisp fall weekend knocking out these tasks and your house will repay you with lower bills, fewer drafts, and less “uh-oh” maintenance when it’s freezing outside. It’s the old-house version of winterizing your car — a little prep goes a long way.
Grab a cup of something hot, put on some tunes, and knock this out. Your future self (and your heating bill) will be grateful.
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I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.
Thanks for such great tips!
When preparing your home for the fall season, it’s also crucial to clean both the area around the furnace and its internal components for optimal performance and safety. To do this, remove leaves, dust, and debris from around the furnace and check the vents and ducts for anything that might be blocking them. Also, gently clean the flame sensor with a soft cloth or emery cloth and use a vacuum to carefully clean the blower compartment and its parts. Pay special attention to the blower wheel, as it tends to collect dust and dirt.