Autumn home maintenance checklist: 12 jobs that save money before winter
Do this before the first frost: gutters, sealing, heat pump, drainage and garden furniture. With 2026 prices and which jobs qualify for ROT or RUT.
Autumn in Sweden is short and wet, especially in Skåne where rain, wind and mild but damp winters wear on facades harder than the deep cold does further north. Most of what breaks in January could have been prevented in October.
Here are twelve jobs that return the most per krona, with 2026 guide prices if you hire help.
Outside, before the first frost
- Clear gutters and downpipes. 1,500-3,500 SEK for a standard house, and the most common cause of moisture damage at the foundation.
- Check the roof for loose tiles and damaged flashing.
- Flush stormwater drains and inspect drainage closest to the house.
- Shut off and drain outdoor taps so they do not freeze and split.
- Wash and store garden furniture and the grill, or cover them properly.
- Cut back branches touching the facade or roof before the autumn storms.
Inside and energy
- Change filters and service the heat pump. 1,800-3,200 SEK, and a clogged pump costs more than that in extra electricity over one season.
- Check window and door seals. New strips cost under 1,000 SEK in materials and noticeably cut draughts.
- Clean the cooker hood filter and check ventilation vents.
- Test smoke alarms and change batteries. Do it on the same date every year.
- Have the chimney swept and the fireplace checked before the season, not during it.
- Bleed radiators so the whole surface heats evenly.
What hiring help costs
Simple rule: maintenance and cleaning qualify for RUT at 50% of the labour cost, while repair and installation qualify for ROT at 30%.
| Service | Price | Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Gutter clearing, house | 1,500-3,500 SEK | RUT |
| Heat pump service | 1,800-3,200 SEK | ROT |
| Window cleaning inside and out | 1,200-2,500 SEK | RUT |
| Hedge and tree pruning | 600-750 SEK/h | RUT |
| Replacing door and window seals | 600-700 SEK/h | ROT |
| Drainage and damp inspection | 3,000-6,000 SEK | ROT |
What waiting actually costs
A blocked downpipe overflowing against the foundation can create moisture damage costing 60,000 to 150,000 SEK to repair. An unserviced heat pump uses 10-20% more electricity over a winter, easily several thousand kronor in a house. A leaking window in a corner room is felt immediately but only shows on the bill in February.
Against those numbers, autumn maintenance is one of the cheapest insurance policies you can buy for your home.
Read next
ROT and RUT deductions 2026 · All services · Download the app
Frequently asked questions
- When should gutters be cleared?
- After leaf fall, normally late October or early November in southern Sweden, plus once in spring if you have deciduous trees close to the house.
- Does gutter clearing qualify for RUT?
- Yes, it counts as maintenance and gives a 50% deduction on the labour cost.
- How often does a heat pump need servicing?
- Filter cleaning a few times a year and a professional service every second year, or annually if it is your main heat source.
- What does autumn maintenance cost in total?
- A standard house lands at 6,000 to 12,000 SEK if everything is done by professionals, often half that after RUT and ROT.
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