The Fall Maintenance Divide: Homeowners in These Metros Are Most Prepared for the Upcoming Wild-Card Fall Weather

For homeowners, fall is about more than changing leaves and pumpkin decor. 

It’s the perfect time to tackle seasonal maintenance tasks before winter hits. And some are getting a head start while others are putting them off. 

According to new data from Angi, those in Washington, DC, are most prepared for fall based on per capita fall maintenance activity on its platform. 

Columbus, OH, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Albany, NY, Rochester, NY, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh round out its list of the top 10 metros most prepared for fall.

On the flip side, homeowners in Los Angeles are least prepared, followed by those in Oklahoma City, Riverside, CA, Miami, San Diego, Houston, Grand Rapids, MI, San Francisco, Austin, TX, and Memphis, TN.

Regardless of where you live, prioritizing fall maintenance is key, and if you haven’t already, now is a good time to get moving. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of costly issues and thoroughly enjoy your home in the colder months ahead.

The impact of location on fall maintenance 

So, what’s driving the different approaches to fall maintenance across the country? Climate.

“In Washington, DC, colder weather gives homeowners a clear reason to get ahead on projects,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.

Many homeowners in DC are prioritizing tasks like heating system tuneups, roof and gutter maintenance, and draft sealing around windows and doors. 

In a place like Los Angeles, milder temperatures may make fall preparation feel less pressing, even though homes still need protection from rain and seasonal storms. 

“Those who live in Los Angeles should focus on keeping water out of their home. I encourage them to check the roof for loose or missing shingles, clear gutters and downspouts, and make sure drainage is directing water away from the foundation,” Hicks adds.

While you might have fewer freeze-related tasks if you live somewhere with milder weather, fall maintenance is still important. 

“Heating equipment should still be serviced before use, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly. If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before the season’s first fire, too,” explains Hicks.

How to prepare your home for fall

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts warmer-than-average fall conditions in places like Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. 

However, it expects fall to be cooler and wetter than average in the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Southern Florida, and northern Texas and Oklahoma. 

“Use seasonal predictions to help organize your fall checklist, then follow local forecasts as you schedule the work,” says Hicks.

Start with your home’s needs—especially any problems you already know about. 

If wetter conditions are expected, move roof repairs, gutter cleaning,  and drainage issues up the list. If colder weather is approaching, prioritize heating maintenance, sealing drafts, and protecting outdoor plumbing.

A warmer outlook can provide a useful window to finish outdoor projects, but don’t use it as a reason to put off essential maintenance. 

“Have outdoor faucets and irrigation systems winterized before the first freeze and address known leaks before the next storm,” Hicks explains.

Also, don’t forget about some of the most commonly overlooked fall maintenance tasks. 

“Check where downspouts discharge, disconnect garden hoses before freezing weather, and replace worn weatherstripping. Make sure water drains away from your home to help protect the foundation,” Hicks says.

If you’re concerned about roof damage, recurring drainage problems, or heating concerns, don’t hesitate to call a pro who can assess the situation and recommend the next best steps.

While fall home maintenance does take some time, effort, and money, it’s essential if you want to catch and fix problems before they become bigger headaches come winter.