September Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for Fall
September is one of my favorite months in Northwest Indiana. We still get plenty of beautiful days, but you can feel fall starting to creep in. It is also the perfect time to take care of a few things around the house before colder weather arrives.
A little preventative maintenance now can help you catch small problems before they turn into expensive ones, while also getting your home ready for the months ahead. Here are seven things to add to your September home maintenance list.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Falling leaves are coming, so now is a good time to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear.
Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris, and check that water can move freely through the gutters and away from your foundation. While you are up there, look for any loose sections, sagging areas, or downspouts that may need attention.
You will probably need to check them again once the majority of the leaves have fallen, but starting with clean gutters makes fall maintenance much easier.
Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance
Do not wait for the first really cold morning to find out your furnace is not working properly.
Schedule your fall HVAC maintenance now so your heating system is cleaned, inspected, and ready for colder temperatures. It is also a good time to replace your furnace filter if it is due.
Regular maintenance can help your system run more efficiently and may help catch smaller issues before they become a much bigger problem in the middle of winter.
Inspect Your Roof for Damage
Summer storms, wind, and heavy rain can all take a toll on your roof.
Take a look from the ground for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or anything that looks out of place. Also check ceilings and attic spaces for signs of moisture or staining.
If you notice anything concerning, have a roofing professional take a closer look before winter weather arrives.
Clean Your Windows and Check the Seals
Give your windows a good cleaning inside and out while the weather is still nice.
As you go, check the caulk and seals around each window. Look for cracks, gaps, or areas where the seal has started to deteriorate. Fixing these areas before colder weather arrives can help prevent drafts and keep your home more comfortable.
Do not forget to check your exterior doors for drafts and worn weather stripping while you are at it.
Clean Out Your Garbage Cans
This is definitely not the most glamorous home maintenance project, but it is worth doing before winter.
Empty your outdoor garbage and recycling cans, rinse them thoroughly, and give them a good scrub. Cleaning out food residue and buildup can help with odors and pests.
Let them dry completely before putting them back into use.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating systems getting ready to work overtime, September is an important time to check your home's safety equipment.
Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace batteries as needed and check the age of each unit to make sure it is still within the manufacturer's recommended service life.
It only takes a few minutes, and this is one home maintenance task you definitely do not want to skip.
Protect Your Home One Month At A Time
Homeownership comes with a never ending list of things to do, but staying on top of the small stuff really does make a difference. September is a great month to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and take care of your home before winter arrives in Northwest Indiana.
And if you are considering selling your home this fall, these little maintenance items matter even more. Buyers notice how a home has been cared for, and taking care of deferred maintenance before listing can make the entire selling process a little easier.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Northwest Indiana, I am always happy to talk through your options, answer questions, or help you figure out where to start.
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