September Home Maintenance To-Do List

Heating and Cooling System Maintenance

As temperatures begin to dip, checking that your home’s heating system is in working order is a must. A well-maintained HVAC system keeps your family comfortable and helps reduce energy costs, along with preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

Calling in a licensed HVAC professional for a thorough inspection and service is a wise investment. These experts will test safety controls to prevent potential fire hazards and clean and repair the blower and motor. 

They will also examine furnace burners, switches, and thermostats, along with checking for leaks in the unit and ductwork.

DIY HVAC Maintenance Tasks

While some tasks require professional expertise, you can tackle a few maintenance items yourself:

• Replace air filters regularly to improve air quality and system efficiency.
• Inspect visible ductwork for cracks or leaks, sealing minor issues with metallic duct tape or mastic.
• We recommend installing a programmable thermostat to improve heating and cooling schedules and reduce your energy costs.

Roof Inspection and Repair

With hurricane season in full swing and winter weather on the horizon, now is the time to make sure your roof is up to the challenge of protecting your home.

Conduct a Thorough Roof Inspection

Start by examining your roof from the inside out. First, check the attic for signs of water intrusion, especially around the chimney area. Then, use binoculars or a ladder to inspect the roof’s exterior—look for missing, bent, loose, or broken shingles. Lastly, clear away any leaves or debris that could trap moisture and cause damage to your roof. 

Address Roofing Issues Promptly

For small repairs, homeowners can often do the job themselves. This includes replacing damaged shingles to stop leaks, fixing loose flashing with roofing cement, and sealing small cracks where flashing meets the chimney using masonry caulk. 

For more extensive damage or if you’re uncomfortable working on the roof, you should hire a professional roofing contractor.

Watch our video on How to Repair Leaking Chimney Flashing to find out more.

Fireplace and Chimney Care

As the days grow shorter and cooler, the allure of a warm fireplace becomes irresistible. However, before lighting that first fire of the season, check that your fireplace and chimney are safe and clean.

Professional Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

Hiring a certified chimney sweep is crucial for maintaining a safe fireplace. These experts will inspect the fireplace and chimney for any structural issues or potential fire hazards. 

They can also clean out creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires if they build up for too long. They’ll also recommend repairs or maintenance. 

Look for a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America or, even better, an F.I.R.E. Certified Inspector for a comprehensive evaluation.

Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance Tips

In addition to professional care, homeowners can take steps to maintain their fireplaces. First, make sure the chimney has at least ten feet of clearance around all sides of the flue. Install screens to protect the chimney from falling leaves and nesting animals. 

Trim Tree Limbs Near the Roof and Chimney

In addition to inspecting and cleaning your fireplace and chimney, trim tree limbs growing close to it to prevent fires and chimney damage.

Make sure you have at least ten feet of clearance around all sides of the chimney flue.

While you’re up on the roof, verify that your chimney is screened and protected from falling leaves. This will also keep out birds and animals like squirrels and raccoons that like to make nests inside.

Trim any branches growing near your roof, especially dead branches that overhang it. Not only are dead branches more flammable than live ones, but they’re also more likely to fall in a wind or snowstorm and cause considerable damage to your roof, chimney, and gutters.

Fire Safety Measures

With cooler weather comes an increased use of heating appliances, making fire safety a top priority for September home maintenance.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Every home should have multiple ABC-rated fire extinguishers readily accessible. To verify that they’re ready when you need them:

• Check expiration dates and replace outdated units.
• Inspect for visible damage, rust, or corrosion.
• Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable zone.
• Clean the nozzle and check for clogs.

Firewood Preparation

Enjoy the last warm days of the season by stocking up on firewood and splitting and stacking it neatly in your yard.

For safe and robust fires and to reduce creosote buildup in your chimney, burn only hardwood logs that are dry and aged for at least a year.

Not all fireplaces are created equal, so cut your firewood to a length that will easily fit inside your fireplace. Split it into manageable sizes, saving smaller pieces for kindling.

You can buy a rack to hold your firewood or stack it in old-fashioned cords. Whatever you choose, locate your woodpile away from your home to help prevent insects, rodents, and snakes from moving indoors for the winter.

Even though it’s often called a “woodpile,” make sure your firewood is stacked neatly and safely so that you don’t trip in the dark and it doesn’t fall over on a child.

Consider covering the stack with a tarp to keep it dry and ready to use in any winter weather.

Garage Door Maintenance

A well-maintained garage door operates smoothly and quietly, making your comings and goings more pleasant for both you and your neighbors.

Garage Door Cleaning and Lubrication

Follow these steps to keep your garage door in top condition:

• Clean the door thoroughly to remove summer grime and mildew.
• Wipe dirt and debris from the tracks.
• Lightly lubricate hinges, bearings, and springs with engine oil.
• Apply a small amount of motor oil to the metal rollers. (Skip this step for nylon rollers.)
• Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Outdoor Preparations

As summer fades into fall, it’s time to turn attention to outdoor spaces that may need some TLC before winter arrives.

Tree and Shrub Trimming

Proper landscaping maintenance can prevent damage to your home and improve curb appeal. Trim branches that are close to your roof or power lines. Also, remove dead or diseased limbs that could fall during storms and prune shrubs and bushes to promote healthy growth next spring. 

Gutter Cleaning and Repair

Clean, functional gutters are essential for protecting your home from water damage. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts, check for proper water flow, and address any leaks or sagging sections. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance needs.

Exterior Paint Touch-Ups

The exterior of your home is its first line of defense against the elements. Keep it sealed and free of cracks and holes.

Inspect and Repair

Small areas of peeling or chipped paint can lead to more severe problems if you don’t fix them quickly. You need to inspect the exterior walls for signs of wear and damage. 

Then, sand the peeled or chipped areas lightly to create a smooth surface and apply primer before painting the repaired spots with matching exterior paint. Regularly check for signs of moisture or mildew that may reveal underlying issues. 

Driveway and Walkway Maintenance

A well-maintained driveway and walkway not only improve your property’s appearance but also keep it safe as the weather changes.

Inspection and Repair

Uneven surfaces can pose tripping hazards or worsen during the winter. Some steps to fix that include:

• Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks and uneven areas.
• Fill small cracks with appropriate driveway filler or concrete repair compound.
• Seal larger cracks or areas with professional-grade sealant to prevent further damage.
• Clean off the debris and treat for weed growth preventatively.

Indoor Preparations

In addition to outdoor projects, some indoor areas require preparation for the coming colder months.

Window and Door Insulation

Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm and energy-efficient—check for drafts around windows and doors using a candle or incense stick test. Then, apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and prevent heat loss. Consider installing storm windows or thermal curtains for added insulation in the winter. 

Clean and Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help circulate warm air during the winter months. Dust the blades to ensure they operate efficiently and reverse the direction of the fans to push warm air down into living spaces. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Verifying that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional can save lives. You need to test all detectors monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace any units that are over ten years old. 

Final Thoughts About September Home Maintenance

As homeowners transition from summer to fall, September offers the perfect opportunity to prepare for the changing seasons. By tackling these maintenance tasks, from HVAC tune-ups to fireplace inspections, you’ll get your home ready to face the cooler months ahead. These efforts keep your living space comfortable and efficient and help prevent costly repairs down the line.

You can make many of these tasks DIY projects, but don’t hesitate to call in professionals for the complex or dangerous jobs.