Warm, Safe, and Ready for Fall: Home Maintenance Tips for a Cozy Season

A few quick checks this month can keep your home cozy and your holidays worry free.

As the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, most Kitsap County homeowners start thinking about cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, and maybe a few extra candles around the house. Fall is a great time to settle in, but it’s also the perfect moment to do a few quick maintenance checks that can keep your home safe and energy efficient all season long.

Here are a few simple steps to help you stay warm, comfortable, and fire safe this fall.

1. Give Your Heating System a Head Start

Before the first real cold snap hits, turn your furnace or heat pump on for a test run. Listen for any unusual noises, and if it’s been a year or more since your last service, it’s time for a tune up. A professional cleaning can improve efficiency, reduce your heating bills, and extend the life of your system.
Pro tip: Replace or clean filters monthly during heating season. Your system (and sinuses) will thank you.

2. Check Fireplaces and Chimneys

Whether you have a gas insert or a wood burning fireplace, fall is the season to make sure everything is in good working order. Creosote buildup from past fires can pose a serious hazard if left unchecked. Schedule a chimney sweep and make sure the damper opens and closes smoothly.
If you use a gas fireplace, check that the pilot light and venting are working correctly before your first fire of the season.

3. Practice Candle and Décor Safety

Candles and holiday decorations add warmth and charm to the home, but they also cause thousands of house fires each year. A few easy habits can prevent that:
• Keep candles at least a foot away from anything flammable (especially curtains and greenery).
• Never leave a burning candle unattended or go to bed while it’s lit.
• Consider switching to battery operated candles for décor. It’s hard to tell the difference these days, and much safer.

If you decorate with lights, check cords for fraying and avoid overloading outlets. It’s also smart to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before the holidays begin.

4. Inspect Weatherstripping and Windows

Even small drafts can drive up heating costs. Check weatherstripping around doors and windows, and replace any that are cracked or missing. A little time spent sealing gaps now can keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower all winter.

5. Keep Vents and Space Heaters Clear

It’s tempting to cozy up with a space heater or toss a blanket near a vent, but blocked airflow can cause overheating and fire risks. Give all vents, radiators, and baseboards at least three feet of breathing room.

A Safe, Warm Home Feels Better

Fall is about comfort, about coming home, lighting that first fire, and enjoying the smell of cinnamon and pine. Taking these few preventive steps helps protect that sense of calm so you can focus on what really matters this season.

If you’d like a local referral for a trusted HVAC technician, chimney sweep, or home safety inspection, our team is happy to share our list of vetted professionals. We’ve built these relationships so you can maintain your home with confidence and peace of mind.

Need a trusted local referral for fall home maintenance? The Contreras Team with Windermere Professional Partners is happy to connect you with reliable, local professionals who can help keep your home safe and sound this season.

The Contreras Team with Windermere Professional Partners
Jessica Contreras 23005400 | Bob Contreras 26586
(951) 537-7460 | (360) 979-0529