From Summer to Fall: Essential Home Maintenance Tips for Eau Claire Homeowners

There’s something special about the shift from summer to fall in Eau Claire. One day you’re soaking up the sun at Phoenix Park or grilling in the backyard, and the next, you’re pulling on a sweatshirt, sipping a pumpkin spice latte (don’t roll your eyes—you know you’ve had one, or soon will), and raking leaves.

The transition isn’t just about trading flip-flops for flannels—it’s also prime time to tackle important home maintenance tasks. Taking care of these now means fewer headaches when the snow flies, and trust me, Eau Claire winters aren’t exactly forgiving if you’ve skipped the prep work.

So before the leaves finish falling and we’re scraping windshields in the dark at 6 AM, let’s walk through the home maintenance checklist every homeowner should consider this fall.

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Summer storms send plenty of debris onto rooftops, and autumn piles on even more with falling leaves. Clogged gutters are a fast track to water damage, ice dams, and basement leaks.

What to do: Once the leaves fall, clean gutters thoroughly and make sure downspouts are draining at least 5–10 feet away from your foundation.
Pro tip: If climbing a ladder isn’t your thing (or you’d rather keep your feet planted firmly on the ground), hire a local handyman before everyone’s schedule fills up in October.

2. Check Your Roof Before the Snow Hits

Your roof takes a beating year-round, and even minor damage can turn into major issues when snow piles up.

Look for: Loose, missing, or damaged shingles; cracks in flashing; moss growth; and signs of leaks in the attic.
Why it matters: A $200 repair now could save you from a $10,000 headache come January. Eau Claire snow is heavy, and your roof has to carry the load—literally.

3. Service Your Furnace (Before You Need It)

Picture this: It’s the first 30-degree night, and you fire up your furnace—only to realize it doesn’t work. Now you’re wrapped in three blankets, waiting on the one HVAC tech who has appointments left. Don’t let that be you.

What to do: Schedule a professional furnace inspection and cleaning. Replace filters (monthly during heavy use).
Bonus: Regular maintenance helps your system run more efficiently, saving you money on those Xcel Energy bills.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows & Doors

Drafty homes aren’t cozy—they’re expensive. Heat loss through small gaps can increase your energy bills by 10–20%.

Quick fixes: Apply fresh caulk around windows, replace worn weatherstripping on doors, and consider installing storm windows if you have them.
Energy tip: Eau Claire winters make your furnace work overtime. A weekend sealing project can save you hundreds over the season.

5. Winterize Your Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor living is amazing in summer, but once temps drop, your deck, patio, and landscaping need some TLC.

Patio furniture: Clean and cover or store it. Moisture + freezing temps = cracked frames and moldy cushions.
Grills: Deep clean, disconnect propane, and cover tightly.
Decks: Sweep away leaves and dirt, and consider resealing before the first frost.

6. Take Care of Your Lawn & Garden

Fall is the secret weapon season for beautiful lawns. While most homeowners throw in the towel after summer, a little effort now pays off big in spring.

Aerate and overseed: This helps new grass roots establish before winter.
Fertilize: A “winterizer” fertilizer gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to come back strong in April.
Leaf cleanup: Yes, it’s a pain, but leaving thick layers of leaves can smother your grass and invite pests.

7. Protect Your Pipes and Irrigation System

Nothing strikes fear into a Wisconsin homeowner like the words “burst pipe.”

Hoses: Disconnect and store them. Leaving them attached can cause outdoor faucets to freeze.
Sprinkler systems: Have them professionally blown out before the first hard freeze.
Insulate: Wrap exposed pipes in basements, garages, or crawl spaces.

8. Fireplace and Chimney Check

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, fall is the time to make sure it’s safe and ready.

Chimney cleaning: A professional sweep removes dangerous creosote buildup that could cause chimney fires.
Inspection: Check for cracks, loose bricks, or signs of moisture.
Wood supply: Stock up now—prices often rise as temps drop.

9. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Colder weather means homes are sealed up tight, with more use of furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters.

Safety check: Replace batteries, test each device, and make sure you have detectors on every level of your home.
Extra mile: If your detectors are more than 10 years old, replace them entirely.

10. Declutter and Organize Before Winter

Let’s be real: once it’s -15 outside, nobody wants to haul boxes to the garage or clean the basement. Take advantage of the mild fall weather to declutter.

Garage: Make space for snowblowers, shovels, and vehicles.
Basement/attic: Sort through storage before holiday decorations go up.
Donation runs: Local charities are always in need as colder weather sets in.

11. Exterior Paint and Siding Touch-Ups

Paint and caulk act as your home’s protective coat. Small chips or gaps can turn into big repair jobs when water seeps in and freezes.

Touch-ups: Scrape, prime, and repaint small areas now.
Vinyl siding: Power wash dirt and mildew to keep it looking fresh.

12. Stock Up on Winter Supplies (Before Everyone Else Does)

When the first real snowstorm hits, Eau Claire stores look like Black Friday in the shovel aisle. Beat the rush.

Essentials: Ice melt, snow shovels, windshield scrapers, gas for the snowblower.
Upgrade idea: Consider a heated driveway mat or entryway mat for less salt mess inside.

13. Plan for Holiday Hosting

If you’re hosting family or friends over the holidays, use fall to get ahead:

Touch up guest rooms.
Deep clean carpets and upholstery.
Do a test run of your oven (nothing worse than finding out it doesn’t heat properly on Thanksgiving morning).

14. Consider a Home Energy Audit

Want to know exactly where your home is losing heat? A professional energy audit can identify problem areas you may not spot yourself. Xcel Energy even offers rebates and incentives for efficiency upgrades.

Wrapping It Up

The shift from summer to fall isn’t just a cozy season of apple orchards, football games, and pumpkin patches (although those are some of my favorite things) —it’s the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for the long Wisconsin winter ahead.

Tackling these maintenance tasks now will keep your home safer, more efficient, and better protected against the elements. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can actually enjoy those snow days instead of stressing over repairs.

And hey, if you’re also thinking about selling, a well-maintained home isn’t just easier to live in—it’s easier to sell for top dollar. Buyers notice the difference.

So grab that pumpkin spice latte (or your beverage of choice), pull on your favorite flannel, and knock out this fall checklist. Your future self—cozy by the fireplace in January—will thank you.

📞 Thinking about making a move before the snow falls? Let’s talk about your options for selling this fall in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.