10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

In Central Arkansas, fall brings beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and the perfect opportunity to prep your home before winter sets in. Whether you're in Little Rock, Conway, Benton, or Cabot, performing seasonal maintenance now can prevent costly repairs, boost energy efficiency, and even help increase your home’s market value.

Here are 10 essential fall home maintenance tips for homeowners in Central Arkansas to help you protect your property and stay comfortable all season long.

1. 🍁 Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

With all the pine needles, oak leaves, and falling debris in Arkansas, your gutters can quickly become clogged. This can lead to roof leaks, water damage, and foundation issues.

What to do:

• Clear out leaves and debris

• Check for loose or sagging sections

• Make sure downspouts extend 3–4 feet away from your foundation

Local Tip: With Arkansas’s rainy fall season, clean gutters at least twice during October and November.

2. 🔥 Service Your Heating System

Cool fall nights can turn cold quickly in Central Arkansas. Before you crank up the heat, have your HVAC or furnace professionally inspected.

Benefits:

• Lower energy bills

• Cleaner air quality

• Reduced risk of carbon monoxide issues

Most Arkansas homes rely on central heat and air, so make sure your filters are changed monthly and your thermostat is programmed efficiently.

3. 🪟 Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Older homes in the Little Rock metro area can be drafty—especially if they're not properly insulated.

Fix it with:

• Weatherstripping or door sweeps

• Exterior-grade caulk

• Window insulation kits (available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or local hardware stores like Fuller & Son)

4. 🧯 Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters are common sources of fires and CO poisoning during Arkansas winters.

To stay safe:

• Test all detectors

• Replace batteries

• Install extra units near bedrooms and the garage

Arkansas law also requires functioning smoke detectors in every sleeping area—be sure you’re compliant.

5. 🪵 Prep Fireplaces and Chimneys

Whether you use wood-burning or gas fireplaces, annual inspections are a must. Arkansas homes with native stone or brick fireplaces can develop chimney buildup or cracks.

Hire a chimney sweep to:

• Remove creosote

• Check the flue and damper

• Seal any cracks or masonry damage

6. 🚿 Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

In Central Arkansas, temperatures can dip below freezing in late November and early December. Avoid burst pipes by:

• Disconnecting garden hoses

• Draining sprinkler systems

• Installing outdoor faucet covers (foam ones are easy to find locally)

7. 🏡 Inspect Your Roof

Storms, fallen branches, and summer sun can damage Arkansas roofs, especially in areas with mature trees like Hillcrest, The Heights, or Lakewood.

Check for:

• Curling or missing shingles

• Damaged flashing

• Signs of leaks in the attic or ceiling

Local Tip: Contact a local roofer for a free inspection if you're unsure—many offer this in the off-season.

8. 💡 Check Your Outdoor Lighting

As daylight hours get shorter, having well-lit entryways and walkways becomes more important for safety and curb appeal.

Inspect:

• Porch lights

• Floodlights

• Motion detectors

Switch to LED bulbs to cut down on energy costs—a smart move in energy-conscious Central Arkansas neighborhoods.

9.  🧹 Seal Driveways and Walkways

Freezing temps and fluctuating humidity in Central Arkansas can cause driveways and sidewalks to crack or deteriorate.

Fall is the best time to:

• Seal asphalt or concrete

• Fill in cracks with patching compound

• Remove any weeds growing through pavement

10.  🍂 Tidy Up the Yard & Landscaping

From raking leaves to trimming trees, fall yard work sets your lawn up for a healthy return in the spring.

Tasks include:

• Raking up heavy oak and maple leaves

• Mulching flower beds

• Trimming overgrown branches near your roof or power lines

Many Central Arkansas trees don’t fully drop leaves until late November, so plan for multiple cleanups.

Taking the time to prep your home each fall is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner in Central Arkansas. From Conway to Bryant to Jacksonville, seasonal upkeep helps preserve your home’s value, improve efficiency, and prevent costly winter surprises.

Thinking of selling before winter?

Fall is still an active time in the Central Arkansas real estate market. If you're considering selling or just want to know your home's value, let's chat!