November home maintenance checklist

November is the last easy month to get a home ready for winter. The ground is not frozen yet, outdoor work is still possible, and heating problems are cheaper to fix before the first cold snap. Here are 12 tasks, grouped by how long they take.

Timing depends on where you live. In warm climates, skip the freeze tasks and focus on the heating, alarm, and dryer items.

Quick tasks (10 minutes or less each)

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button on each one. Daylight saving time ends in early November, which makes it an easy date to remember.
Replace or check the furnace filter. A clogged filter makes the system work harder. Check the size printed on the old filter before you buy.
Reverse ceiling fans. Set them to turn clockwise at low speed so warm air near the ceiling moves down.
Check weatherstripping on doors. If you can see daylight or feel a draft around a closed exterior door, the seal needs attention.

Before the first hard freeze

Disconnect and drain garden hoses. A hose left attached can trap water in the outdoor faucet, where it can freeze.
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets if they are not frost-free. Use the indoor shut-off valve if your home has one, then open the outdoor tap to let it drain.
Know where your main water shut-off is. Find it now, label it, and make sure it turns. If a pipe bursts, this is the valve you need fast.
Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are the most likely to freeze. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive.

Weekend tasks

Clean gutters after most leaves have fallen. Clogged gutters can overflow and send water toward the foundation. If the roofline is high or steep, hire a pro rather than using a tall ladder alone.
Book heating service if it has been a year. A yearly check of the furnace, boiler, or heat pump is a common recommendation. Gas appliance service is a job for a licensed technician.
Clean the dryer vent and lint path. Lint builds up in the duct as well as the screen. Lint buildup is a known cause of dryer fires.
Schedule a chimney inspection before using the fireplace. If you burn wood, have the chimney inspected before the season starts.

Use the checkboxes in the printable version to track what is done: full-year printable checklist.

Common questions

Is November too late to winterize?

Not in most of the U.S. The deadline that matters is your first hard freeze, not the calendar. Outdoor water tasks come first because they are the costly ones to miss.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

It depends on the filter type and your home. Many filters list a range of one to three months on the package, and homes with pets usually need the shorter end. Your system manual is the best guide.

Do I need to do all 12?

No. Start with the alarms, the water shut-off, and the outdoor faucets. The rest can be spread over the month.

Get these reminders on your phone

The free home maintenance schedule generator turns this list into calendar reminders (.ics) for iPhone, Google Calendar, or Outlook. Pick your climate and equipment, and tasks you do not need are left out. No sign-up.

Build my schedule

Sources and safety

U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) for smoke alarm testing and home fire safety.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for carbon monoxide alarms and dryer fire safety.
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver for heating and cooling upkeep.
EPA WaterSense for finding household leaks.
Chimney Safety Institute of America for chimney inspections.

Gas, electrical, roof, and chimney repairs should be done by a licensed professional. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.