Autumn in Northeast Ohio is beautiful — the leaves change, the air turns crisp, and neighborhoods from Lisbon to Austintown come alive with color. But for homeowners, it’s also a signal: time to get your house ready for winter.
At New Horizons Property Group (NHPG), we work on homes across the region — buying, renovating, and revitalizing properties through every season. Over the years, we’ve seen how a few smart fall maintenance steps can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.
Here’s your fall home maintenance Ohio checklist, packed with local insights and real homeowner tips.
1. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage
It sounds basic, but clogged gutters are one of the biggest causes of water damage we see in older Ohio homes. When leaves block your downspouts, melting snow has nowhere to go — and that leads to leaks, foundation cracks, and basement flooding.
Clear your gutters, run a hose to check drainage, and add gutter guards if possible.
Check out more information on how to clean gutters: Home Depot how to clean gutters
2. Seal Cracks, Windows, and Doors
In many homes around Lisbon and Austintown, we notice tiny gaps that let cold air seep in — and heat (plus money) escape. A $10 tube of caulk or new weatherstripping can easily save you up to 20% on heating bills.
Before it gets cold, walk around your home on a breezy day and feel for drafts — that’s where to seal.
3. Service Your Furnace or Boiler
Before you need heat daily, schedule a tune-up. Clean filters and inspect for leaks or strange noises. A system running smoothly not only saves energy but also keeps your air cleaner.
4. Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces
If you use a fireplace, this is non-negotiable. Creosote buildup causes hundreds of home fires every year — especially in older properties that haven’t had a recent sweep.
Schedule a cleaning and make sure your damper opens and closes properly.
5. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
Shut off exterior faucets and drain garden hoses. A frozen pipe can burst and cause serious water damage inside your home. If you’re unsure where your shutoff valve is, trace your outdoor spigot line — it’s often near the basement ceiling.
6. Test Smoke and CO Detectors
As furnaces start running, your risk of carbon monoxide leaks increases. Test all detectors and replace batteries now. This is one of those five-minute habits that can save lives.
7. Declutter and Deep Clean Key Areas
As redevelopers, we know how clutter hides problems — from slow leaks to pests. Fall is a great time to clean basements, garages, and attics, giving you more usable space and peace of mind heading into the holidays.
8. Lawn and Landscaping Maintenance
Trim back overgrown branches — especially those near your roof or power lines. Rake and compost leaves to protect your lawn. Aerate and fertilize before the ground freezes so your yard comes back greener in spring.
9. Inspect Roofs and Attics
A missing shingle or small gap can quickly turn into a leak during winter. Check for soft spots, look inside the attic for water stains, and fix problems early.
NHPG insight: We often find that homes neglected in fall need roof replacements by spring — proactive checks make all the difference.
10. Prepare Winter Essentials
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food on hand for sudden snowstorms or outages. Northeast Ohio winters can be unpredictable — small prep steps can save a lot of stress later.
Why This Fall Checklist Matters for Northeast Ohio Homes
Home maintenance isn’t just about repairs — it’s about protecting your investment and peace of mind.
By following this fall home maintenance Ohio checklist, you’ll:
✅ Prevent costly winter damage
✅ Improve your home’s energy efficiency
✅ Keep your family safe
✅ Extend the life of your home’s systems
Local Tip from NHPG
At NHPG, we’ve spent a lot of time redeveloping homes across Lisbon, Austintown, and Northeast Ohio. We often see small maintenance issues — loose shingles, blocked gutters, poor insulation — become major expenses when ignored.
Tackling these tasks early keeps your home solid and secure through the harshest weather.