September Home Maintenance Tips
Cooler days are coming, so here are some tips to get your home ready for the changing season.
As summer fades and fall approaches, September is the perfect time to take on those home projects you've been putting off. The weather's still warm enough to enjoy working outside, but the crispness in the air reminds you that colder days are coming.
With kids back in school and homes quiet during the day, it’s also a great time to focus on home security and safety. Whether it’s checking your smoke alarms or tackling those outdoor maintenance tasks, getting ahead now will leave you feeling prepared and relaxed as the seasons change.
Here’s your September home maintenance checklist to keep your home safe and beautiful all month long:
1. Outdoor Cleaning and Maintenance
Soon, leaves will start falling and filling your gutters. Now’s the time to clear them out, ensuring water can flow freely to prevent leaks and water damage when the rainy season hits. While you’re up there, check for any missing or damaged shingles on your roof to avoid any surprises down the road.
2. Clean Up the Garage and Yard
September’s a great time to clean and organize your garage. With the good weather, take the opportunity to tidy up outdoor areas too. Double-check your outdoor security gear—cameras, lights, and doorbells—to ensure everything’s working properly before the shorter days and darker evenings arrive.
3. Store Your Summer Gear
It’s time to pack away those pool toys, beach towels, and sprinklers. If you have an in-ground pool, make sure to drain and clean it before locking it up for the winter.
4. Trim Back Branches and Brush
Whether you're preparing for storm season or guarding against wildfires, trimming back branches and clearing dry debris is crucial. Overgrown branches can damage your home in storms, and dry brush can fuel fires. It’s also a great time to tidy up your landscaping for a fresh fall look.
5. Fertilize Your Lawn
Give your lawn one last boost before summer’s fully gone. Applying a good dose of fertilizer now will help your grass come back lush and green in the spring.
6. Get Ahead of Winter
Before the cold months arrive, check your furnace or heating system to ensure it's running smoothly. Swap out the air filter if it’s been more than six months since you last changed it. A well-maintained system will keep your home warm and your energy bills down.
7. Test Your Smoke Alarms
As the days get cooler, we spend more time inside, increasing the risk of house fires. Now’s a good time to test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries. Consider upgrading to smart detectors that alert you even when you’re away from home.
8. Change Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction
Did you know you should reverse your ceiling fan’s direction for winter? It helps circulate warm air to keep your home cozy as temperatures drop.
9. Check Weather Stripping Around Doors and Windows
Keep the chill out by inspecting your home’s weather stripping. Gaps can let in drafts, driving up your energy bills. Replace any worn or missing caulking to make sure your home stays snug all winter.
10. Prep for Storm Season
November is one of our stormiest so, now’s a good time to secure outdoor furniture and gear. While you’re at it, go ahead and check your emergency kit for essentials like first aid supplies, flashlights, and non-perishable food. Plan and practice emergency procedures with your family. Being prepared for earthquakes, tsunami’s, and other natural disasters is important in the PNW.
11. Tackle Small Tasks
Small updates can have a big impact. Dust off your stair handrails, re-caulk around the bathtub, and clean your range hood fan to reduce fire hazards. Freshening up these overlooked areas can make a noticeable difference in your home’s appearance and safety.
12. Upgrade Your Coffee Station
As cooler mornings arrive, you’ll be relying more on your coffee. Whether you have a drip machine or a pod system, give it a deep clean to ensure you’re getting the freshest, best-tasting brew each day.
By tackling these tasks in September, you’ll be ready to enjoy the beauty of fall without worrying about your home’s upkeep. Plus, getting ahead of these jobs now will save you from bigger headaches later on. Happy September!
