As summer fades and the crispness of fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to shift gears and prepare your home for the changing seasons. While the warm weather is still here, taking care of a few key maintenance tasks now can save you time, energy, and money later. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to care about home upkeep, these end-of-summer maintenance tips will help you set up your home for fall—and ensure that you’re ready for whatever the season has in store.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Before the leaves start to fall in droves, make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris. Clogged gutters are one of the most common culprits of water damage during the fall and winter months, as they can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation. Grab a ladder and scoop out any leaves, twigs, or dirt that have accumulated. If you’re not into the manual labor, consider investing in a gutter guard system to make the process easier next year.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with a lot of moss or algae buildup in your gutters, a mild solution of water and vinegar can help remove it.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Before winter storms roll in, now’s the time to inspect your roof for any damage. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracks, or areas where debris has piled up. If you’re not comfortable going up there yourself, hire a professional to take a look. A small issue now could turn into a costly repair later, especially as weather conditions get harsher.
Pro Tip: If you’re hiring a roofer, schedule the inspection soon—fall is a busy time for roofing companies.
3. Check Your HVAC System
With fall just around the corner, it’s time to think about your heating system. Before you start cranking up the thermostat, make sure your HVAC system is in good shape. Change the air filter, check the ducts for blockages, and have the system professionally cleaned if needed. A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and preventing breakdowns during the colder months.
Pro Tip: If your air conditioner has been working hard all summer, now’s a good time to get it serviced too. You can often find service packages that cover both your heating and cooling systems.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Over time, weather can cause cracks and gaps in your doors, windows, and even around your foundation. Before the cold air starts seeping in, do a quick inspection for any gaps that could let in drafts. Use weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient. If you notice bigger cracks around your foundation or walls, a bit of caulk can seal them up before they get worse.
Pro Tip: If you notice drafts even after sealing cracks, consider adding insulation to your attic. It can make a huge difference in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
5. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces
The end of summer is the best time to tidy up your outdoor spaces and ensure they’re ready for fall. Clean out the garage, shed, or outdoor storage areas to make room for the seasonal tools you’ll need. Now is also a good time to store any lawn furniture that won’t withstand the winter months. If you have garden beds, remove any dead plants and prepare the soil for fall planting.
Pro Tip: Give your lawn one last mow and trim any overgrown bushes. This can help prevent pests from seeking shelter in your yard once temperatures drop.
6. Inspect and Clean Your Fireplace or Chimney
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, it’s essential to inspect the chimney before you light your first fire of the season. Clean out any ash from the previous year, and if you haven’t had your chimney cleaned professionally in a while, now’s the time. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, and no one wants that when temperatures start to dip.
Pro Tip: Schedule an annual chimney inspection to make sure everything is in working order, including checking for creosote buildup, which can lead to dangerous chimney fires.
7. Check Your Exterior Lighting
As the days get shorter, having functional outdoor lighting is crucial. Check your porch lights, driveway lights, and landscape lighting to ensure everything is working properly. Replace any bulbs that have burned out and clean light fixtures to maintain their brightness. Consider adding motion-sensor lights or additional lighting if you have any dark spots on your property.
Pro Tip: Consider upgrading to LED lights for better energy efficiency and longer-lasting bulbs.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always come first, and the end of summer is a good reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries and make sure they’re all functioning correctly. You never know when a fire or carbon monoxide leak might occur, so this simple step could save your life.
Pro Tip: Install a carbon monoxide detector near any fuel-burning appliances, like your furnace or water heater, for extra peace of mind.
9. Prep Your Lawn for Fall
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to fertilize your lawn to help it stay healthy throughout the cooler months. Consider aerating the soil to ensure that your grass roots get the nutrients they need. Depending on where you live, fall is also a great time to plant cool-season grasses that thrive in autumn weather.
Pro Tip: Reseed any bare patches now so your lawn has time to fill in before the first frost hits.
10. Take Stock of Your Emergency Kit
Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time to happen, so take a moment to make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked. Check your first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, and blankets. You might also want to add any seasonal items, such as salt for icy walkways, to ensure you’re ready when the weather changes.
Pro Tip: Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family, including knowing how to shut off utilities like water, gas, and electricity.
Final Thoughts
By completing these simple yet essential home maintenance tasks before the leaves fall, you’ll ensure that your home is ready for the change in seasons. Not only will your house be safer, more efficient, and comfortable, but you’ll also save time and money by addressing any potential issues before they become bigger problems. So grab your checklist, roll up your sleeves, and get your home fall-ready—before the leaves even think about falling.
