Furnace.
Did you know that it is recommended to get the furnace tuned up once per year? Fall is the perfect time for this service. This will cost $80-$100, but will save a lot of misery on an extremely cold day, finding out the furnace isn't working properly! Before the first cold snap is the best time as once it gets cold, the HVAC companies get so very busy with service calls on non-working furnaces.
Sprinkler System.
Usually the service to blow out the sprinkler system is a hired job. Locally, it can cost roughly $50-$100. This will ensure no water is trapped in the system for it to freeze over winter and cause breaks in the piping which makes for a very expensive repair in the spring.
Exterior Faucets.
Turn them off. Unhook the outside hoses and make sure the water is completely off. This will save broken pipes and water damage when it's freezing time. The good news is this one costs absolutely nothing at all.
Gutters.
Clean them. This is certainly not the funnest job, but with leaves and debris in your gutters, they will hold water and that soggy mess backs against the house and can cause damage to the roof, siding, wood trim, etc. Left in the gutter, the debris can cause ice dams which could cause leaks and gutters to break. Depending on your fear of heights or abilities on a ladder, (or sense of adventure), this one can be free too!
Ceiling Fans.
The easiest item on the to-do list. Switch these to the "reverse" mode for winter. The updraft actually forces the hotter air to move downward (remember, hot air rises) and keep the room warmer without adjusting the thermostat. Not only can you do this one for yourself (cha-ching!) but you save money on energy costs as your furnace shouldn't have to work nearly as hard to heat your home this winter (double cha-ching!).
