Maintenance by month · Last checked: October 21, 2026

October home maintenance checklist Leaves and the first frost

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Timing depends on where you live. Freeze-related jobs are tied to your area's average first and last frost dates: look up your frost dates or ask your local National Weather Service office or Extension service.

This month

• ☐ Before your first frost: remove, drain and store hoses. Close the inside valve to each outdoor faucet, then open the outdoor faucet to drain. [12] Look up your average frost dates ↗ Guide → If you find a problem →
• ☐ Smoke alarms: replace batteries once a year, including the backup battery in hardwired alarms. Replace any alarm 10 years after its manufacture date. [3] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Check that vents are clear: [5] [11] [32] [36] If you find a problem →
  • ☐ Furnace and water heater vent pipes outside: no leaves, nests or debris
  • ☐ Range hood filters clean
  • ☐ Dryer: air comes out and the flap opens
  • ☐ Fireplace: chimney inspected this year
• ☐ Drain the sprinkler system. Find its brand, then follow that maker's winterizing steps. [37] Look up your average frost dates ↗ If you find a problem →
• ☐ Store the mower and small engines for winter: stabilized fuel, clean deck, battery out of riding mowers. [39] If you find a problem →

Every month

• ☐ Check the HVAC filter. Change it if it looks dirty, and at least every 3 months. [1] [2] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Press the test button on every smoke alarm. [3] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Check CO alarms the way the maker's instructions say. [5]
• ☐ Test GFCI outlets: press TEST, then RESET. [8] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Look under sinks and around the water heater and toilets for drips. [15] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Clean the dryer lint filter every load. [11] If you find a problem →

Done by: ____________   Year: ______   Notes: ______________________________________

← September · November → · How-to fixes · Appliance Record

Sources (fetched and checked October 21, 2026)

1. ENERGY STAR, Heat & Cool Efficiently
2. ENERGY STAR, Maintenance Checklist
3. U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarms
5. U.S. Fire Administration, Carbon Monoxide Safety flyer (PDF)
8. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI Fact Sheet (PDF)
11. Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Clothes Dryer Care
12. American Red Cross, Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes
15. U.S. EPA WaterSense, Home Maintenance (leaks)
32. GE Appliances, Vent Hood: Cleaning Metal Grease Filters
36. Chimney Safety Institute of America, Homeowner Resources
37. Rain Bird, Tips for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
39. Briggs & Stratton, Storing Your Mower & Outdoor Power Equipment