Fall Fixes and Festive Prep

10 Essential Home Projects for October and November from Westlake Ace Hardware.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 13, 2025) – As sweater weather sets in and pumpkin spice fills the air, October and November are prime months for getting your home winter-ready — and holiday-ready too. Whether you’re battling falling temps or decking the halls, the team at Westlake Ace Hardware has 10 smart maintenance tips to keep your home safe, cozy, and ready for guests.

“Fall’s the season when a house needs a little extra TLC, so we’ve created a list of must-do projects to help homeowners prepare for the months ahead,” said Jennifer Schadegg, director of merchandising for Ace Retail Holdings, parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “Get ahead of the cold, the critters, and the clogged gutters now, and you’ll thank yourself come December.”

🍁 October: Home Comforts and Critter Control

1. Bring Your Plants Indoors (The Right Way) – Before nighttime temps are consistently below 50°F, prep the plants you want to take inside for life indoors: 

• • Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer.
  • Flush the soil with a 6:1 water-alcohol mix to clear out bugs.
  • Treat leaves with an organic insect spray like Orange Guard Home Pest Control Organic Insect Killer.
  • Place the plants in a sunny room and go easy on water through winter.

1. Change Furnace Filters – Changing your furnace filters regularly isn’t just about maintaining good indoor air quality; it can also lead to significant cost savings. When your furnace filter is clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, your heating system must work harder to push air through, which can result in higher energy consumption and, consequently, increased utility bills.
2. Keep Rodents Out – As the weather cools, rodents may seek refuge in your home. Inspect and seal cracks in foundations, around doors, and by windows. Use traps or deterrents where needed.
3. Smoke Detector Maintenance – October is National Fire Prevention Month — perfect timing to swap out old batteries or upgrade to smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
4. Power Washing and Paint Touch-Ups – Wash away summer grime and cobwebs from siding, decks, light fixtures, and walkways with a power washer. It gives everything a fresh appearance, especially for the guests you’re sure to welcome during the upcoming holiday season. Once dry, touch up paint on exterior door or window trim, or porch or deck stairs (make sure to paint when the daytime temperature is above 50°F).

🎄 November: Festive Prep and Emergency Proofing

As the guests and activity of the holiday season approaches, you will need to be prepared for unexpected household emergencies. With a little planning, you can transform your household into a festive yet secure haven, equipped to handle any unforeseen situations.

1. Guard Against Fire Hazards: Keep a charged fire extinguisher in the kitchen and review how to use it — just in case that holiday roast goes up in flames instead of on the table.
2. Holiday Power Prep: Have extra extension cords, batteries, and surge protectors on hand. A Monster surge protector with USB ports blends well with decor and protects devices.
3. Banish Bathroom Blunders – Don’t let a toilet tantrum ruin your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Check your home’s toilets in advance, and if one is continually running or not filling properly, it’s time to replace the toilet valve or flapper. Keep Insta-Flo, a plunger, and a drain snake ready for surprise backups.
4. Winterize Your Grill – If you don’t plan to use your grill during the winter months, but plan to leave it outside:

• • Coat burners and grates with cooking oil to help fight rust.
  • Tape a bag over the gas line opening to keep bugs out.
  • Cover it with a waterproof grill cover.

1. Hang Holiday Lights Early – Skip the December chill! A sturdy ladder is a must, and enlist a helper to steady you as you hang lights — plus you’ll be able to reach branches more easily when decorating a large tree or shrub.

Use only lights and extension cords that carry an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label and are approved for outdoor use, which means these products meet industry safety standards and are waterproof. Secure all lights and cords with electrical tape, insulated holders, or plastic zip ties; never use screws, metal hooks, nails, or tacks. If you’d rather leave the roof climbing to Jolly Old St. Nick, limit your display to first-floor windows, small trees, and shrubs.

And while you’re up there, clean out the wet autumn leaves from gutters and gutter spouts before the blockages cause damage. Your handy drain snake is also a good tool for removing compacted leaves from downspouts.