When the leaves start to change colors, it is time to kick it into high gear and knock out some important indoor and outdoor tasks.

Be sure to mark these must-do projects off your list before the trick-or-treaters arrive so you can keep your home in pristine condition this fall.

• Have the heating system inspected

Do not kick on the heat until the furnace has been inspected and serviced by a professional. These inspections should occur annually and are intended to identify potential problems. Heating systems that are not properly maintained will run more inefficiently, which will cost more money, and units that are malfunctioning can be dangerous.

• Prep unheated garden ponds

Decorative ponds need some special attention when the weather starts to cool. As temperatures drop, relocate any plants or fish that will not survive winter to indoor aquariums or tubs. Also prepare to reposition the submersible pump. When winter arrives, the pump will need to be moved so it only circulates water in the top level of the pond.

• Scrape peeling paint and apply a new coat

Give peeling paint the ole’ heave-ho. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also allow wood rot or other damage to occur to the home’s siding and building materials. Paint peels due to the effects of weather or shoddy prep work before a layer of paint is applied. To remove peeling paint, use a hand scraper and follow with a light sanding to ensure the area is smooth and ready for a new coat of sealer or paint to be applied.

• Remove lint from dryer ducts

Running the clothes dryer with a clogged lint trap or duct work is a very bad idea. Blocked traps and ducts cause reduced air flow and a buildup of heat, which can produce a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause more than 15,000 fires each year. To help prevent a dryer fire, clean the lint trap after each load of laundry and regularly remove lint from the ductwork that leads outside.

• Repair broken fences

Fences can withstand a lot, but eventually the wind, falling limbs and other wear and tear will take their toll. When fences fall, they are a major eyesore, and they also compromise your home’s privacy and security. Fences that need attention should be repaired before freezing temperatures arrive. If you delay, holes will be harder to dig, and any concrete used may not set properly. Be sure to sink new posts below the frost line, and also contact the Call Before You Dig hot line before digging new holes.