Falling leaves, shorter days, cozy evenings: Cooler days will be here before we know it (we’re ready for a break from the heat, too), which means now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the winter months ahead.

Read on to learn 25 tips from Woodfin - Your Home Team's Install Operations Manager Chris Beck that will help you stay on top of home maintenance this season:

6 HVAC tips to keep you cozy

Change your air filters monthly. (Yes, we're all supposed to be doing that!)
Get a programmable thermostat. Bonus: It helps with energy savings.
Keep shrubs, debris + clutter away from your outdoor HVAC unit.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors.
Check your pilot light.
Schedule your six-month tune up. Pro tip: Save on heating repairs and service with Woodfin's Comfort Protection Plans.

9 plumbing tips to probe

Check all of your fixtures + piping for leaks. (No drips, please and thank you.)
If you have a whole-house water filter, be sure to change it regularly.
Once winter hits, remove hoses from outdoor faucets attachments and use an outdoor faucet cover.
To improve their efficiency, Woodfin - Your Home Team recommends flushing out your water heaters (and tankless water heaters) annually.
Know the location of the main water shut-off valve.
If you have septic tanks, have them pumped every few years.
Inspect the condition of your washing machine hoses.
Close your crawl space vents.
Know the location of your water meter and have it marked.

5 electrical items to inspect

Test your home's smoke detectors every six months and replace any over 10 years old.
If you have a house generator, make sure the lights are green and that annual maintenance has been done.
Keep the area in front of electrical panels clear and easily accessible.
Repair or replace any lights, switches + other electrical devices that are not working properly.
Have annual electrical maintenance done for cost savings on your power bill.

6 air quality checks to make

Check:

That your air purification system is up + running properly (especially in preparation for flu season).
That no heat is escaping from your duct seals.
For moisture or water in your crawl space.
Your humidity levels — you may need to invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier.
That your crawl space vents are working properly.
That your bathroom exhaust vents are functioning.

Schedule:

A duct cleaning
A dryer vent cleaning + inspection

Woodfin - Your Home Team recommends air quality inspections every six months to avoid costly replacements and to ensure your home’s air quality is where it should be.*