🍂 Your Fall Home Checklist (Alaska Edition)Prep Your Home for a Cozy & Secure Winter in Homer

As the crisp air settles over Kachemak Bay and golden leaves begin to carpet the ground, it’s the perfect reminder for Homer homeowners: winter is coming. Prepping your home now can save you big headaches—and expenses—later.

Here’s a fall home maintenance checklist designed with Alaska’s unique climate and lifestyle in mind:

🔧 1. Seal It Up Tight

Inspect windows, doors, and trim for drafts. Cold air sneaks in fast here, and that means higher heating bills. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal leaks and keep the warmth where it belongs—inside!

❄️ 2. Service Your Heating System

Whether you rely on an oil furnace, Toyo, natural gas, propane, or wood stove stove, now is the time to give it some love. Schedule a professional tune-up and service to change filters. Don’t forget to have your chimney cleaned before firing it up for the winter. Well-maintained systems run more efficiently and reliably when temps drop.

🧰 3. Check the Roof & Gutters

Heavy snow and ice can be brutal on your roof. Clear out gutters, check for missing shingles, and look for signs of wear. Ice dams are no joke—prevent them before they form.

🧊 4. Protect Pipes from Freezing

Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces and garages. Even a small freeze can lead to a burst pipe and a big mess.

🪵 5. Stock Up for Winter

Split firewood? Check. Ice melt? On hand. Generator fueled and tested? Good to go. A little preparation goes a long way in Homer’s long winters.

🧯 6. Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Winter means closed windows and more time inside. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.

🌿 7. Winterize the Outdoors

Drain and store garden hoses, cover outdoor furniture, and shut off exterior water spigots. If you’ve got a green thumb, mulch those garden beds to protect perennials from the freeze.

🕯️ 8. Make It Cozy

Now for the fun part—switch out light linens for flannel sheets, add soft throws, and bring out those warm, ambient lights. After all, you’ve earned a cozy space to ride out the darker days.

Living in Homer means embracing the seasons, and a little prep in fall makes winter a whole lot more enjoyable. 🏔️

Have questions about home maintenance or thinking about making a move before the snow flies? We’re here to help.

– The Story Real Estate Team
📍 Local. Trusted. Rooted in Homer.
📞 Call us anytime at (907) 226-3933