Posted 3 days ago

Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Complete This Fall in Peoria

Fall is a favorite season for many of us in Peoria. The air turns crisp, the leaves along Grandview Drive show their colors, and weekends are filled with football games, bonfires, and family gatherings. But before you settle in to enjoy it all, there are important home maintenance tasks you should complete this fall. Skipping them can lead to expensive repairs once winter weather sets in.

Taking care of these jobs now helps protect your investment, keep your family safe, and give you peace of mind when the first snowstorm rolls through Central Illinois. Below, I’ll walk you through five key home maintenance tasks you should complete this fall and a few extra tips from years of experience as a homeowner and real estate investor.

Key Home Maintenance Tasks

Service Your Furnace and Heating System

Our Peoria winters aren’t gentle. A failed furnace in January isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. That’s why your furnace should be the very first thing you check in the fall.

Here’s what to do:

Replace the filter. A dirty filter makes your system work harder, costing you more money in utilities.
Clean ducts where possible. A professional duct cleaning may be worth the investment if it’s been years since the last one.
Schedule a tune-up. Local HVAC companies book up fast in October, so get on the calendar early. A licensed professional can spot small issues before they turn into costly breakdowns.

Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimneys

Nothing beats a fire in the hearth on a cold night. But without proper maintenance, a fireplace can pose serious risks. Creosote buildup inside the chimney is a leading cause of house fires.

If you haven’t had a chimney sweep out in the last year or two, schedule one before lighting the first fire.
Check the flue for obstructions like bird nests or leaves.
Make sure the damper opens and closes smoothly.

When I talk to homeowners around neighborhoods like The Uplands or West Bluff, I often find that fireplace safety is overlooked. Don’t put this one off.

Protect Exposed Water Lines

Frozen pipes are a nightmare. Imagine waking up to find your kitchen flooded because a pipe burst behind the wall.

Here’s a preventative plan:

Wrap supply lines in insulation, especially those running along exterior walls.
If you have an outlet nearby, consider heat tape for added protection.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze.

This simple step can save thousands of dollars in water damage and repairs.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves look beautiful on Bradley University’s campus, but not so much when they clog your gutters. Blocked gutters force water to overflow and seep into places it shouldn’t, causing wood rot and even foundation issues.

Clear out all debris by hand or with a leaf blower attachment.
Flush gutters with a hose to check for proper flow.
Ensure downspouts extend at least a few feet away from the house to protect your foundation.

Check the Roof

Roof inspections often get overlooked, but winter storms in Peoria can be brutal. Heavy snow, ice, and wind expose even small vulnerabilities.

Look for missing or cracked shingles.
Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents.
If you spot damage, call a reputable local roofer before the snow flies.

Bonus Tasks Worth Considering

If you want to go the extra mile, consider these:

Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to reduce drafts and lower heating bills.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fires increase in winter, and heating systems can create CO risks.
Check insulation in attics and crawl spaces for added efficiency.

What If Home Repairs Feel Overwhelming?

For some Peoria homeowners, these tasks may feel like more than they can handle. Maybe your home already needs costly updates, or you just don’t want to deal with maintenance anymore. If that sounds familiar, you do have options.

At Heartland Funding Inc., we specialize in buying houses in any condition—no repairs required. Whether you live near North Valley, on the East Bluff, or out in Bartonville, we make cash offers and close quickly.

That means you can skip the stress of pre-winter home maintenance, avoid contractor headaches, and move forward with peace of mind.

👉 Call us today at (800) 255-8250 or fill out our online form to see how we can help.