FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

As the seasons shift in the Treasure Valley, fall means crisp mornings, golden leaves along the Boise River Greenbelt, and weekend trips up to Bogus Basin. It’s also the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months ahead. With our hot, dry summers giving way to cooler, sometimes snowy winters, a few preventative tasks now can keep your home comfortable and in good shape all season long. Here are some Boise-specific fall home maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

With all the beautiful trees in the Valley—especially maples and aspens—gutters fill up fast. Clear leaves and debris so melting snow and fall rain can drain properly. Make sure downspouts extend far enough to keep water away from your foundation.

Inspect Your Roof

Snow and ice are tough on roofs, especially after Boise’s hot summers cause shingles to expand and contract. Check for missing or loose shingles now to prevent leaks when winter storms arrive.

Seal Windows and Doors

Treasure Valley winters can be drafty. Test weatherstripping around windows and doors and add caulking where needed. A quick seal can make your home feel warmer and lower your heating bill.

Service Your Heating System

Cold snaps come quickly here. Schedule a furnace tune-up early so you’re not left waiting when everyone turns their heat on at once. A clean filter and well-serviced system run more efficiently and safely.

Check Your Fireplace and Chimney

Boise homeowners love cozy fires in fall and winter. Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup before you light the first fire of the season.

Protect Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Irrigation systems are common throughout the Valley. Blow out and winterize your sprinklers before the first freeze, disconnect hoses, and cover outdoor faucets to prevent cracked pipes.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces and fireplaces running, safety is key. Test detectors and replace batteries as part of your seasonal routine.

Rake and Compost Leaves

Neighborhoods in Boise and Meridian are full of mature trees. Rake leaves regularly to keep your lawn healthy and consider composting them for next spring’s garden.

Prep Outdoor Spaces

Patio furniture and BBQs can take a beating in the snow. Store them or cover them to extend their life through the Treasure Valley’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Tackling these fall maintenance tasks now will make your home safer, more efficient, and ready for whatever winter has in store. Once you’ve checked these off your list, you can enjoy the best parts of the season—pumpkin patches in Kuna, apple picking in Emmett, or catching the vibrant foothill colors before the snow flies.