As summer comes to a close, your home deserves some special attention to prepare for colder temperatures to come. September home maintenance is all about wrapping up the warm and welcoming fall.
Drain and winterize outside irrigation
If you live in a place that drops below freezing in the winter, you need to turn your outside water off and winterize your irrigation system. Get on it. Pronto.
Turn off and cover AC unit
At some point this month, you’ll probably crank that AC for the last time. Power it down and cover it to protect the unit from the winter elements.
Install storm windows
If you’ve got them, install ‘em. Lock in those storm windows before the first big nor’easter hits.
Rake leaves and dispose of mulch
It’s tempting to leave all that mess for another time, but your lawn will suffer under the weight of that muck. Remove leaves and mulch from your yard and dispose of it at your local green-waste facility.
Prune plants and trees
Many plants, and especially trees, should be pruned in the fall—so tackle unruly branches and shape shrubs before the first frost.
Inspect roof
This is your last chance to spot problems before the snow starts flying, so take a good look and fasten any loose shingles.
Organize the garage for winter and fall
Before the leaves start shedding, dig up your trusty leaf blower and rake. If you have a lawnmower, conduct any seasonal maintenance before putting it away like removing the fuel and other components.
Fertilize your lawn
Before summer’s completely gone, put another healthy dose of fertilizer on your lawn. Your grass will wake up in the spring and thank you.
Clean gutters
Clear the last of the debris from those gutters to make them ready for runoff from approaching storms. Clogged gutters in the winter can result in ice dams that’ll damage the exterior of your home.
Drain and store garden hoses
Your hoses will last longer if you care for and store them properly along with your other garden tools. Just don’t forget to drain the water first. Or get a nice, icy cold surprise when you wind them up. Either way—your choice.
Touch up exterior paint
Walk around the perimeter of your home and give any unsightly spots a touch-up. It’ll be your last chance to put on a good face before the holidays.
Service yard equipment
Autumn—not spring—is actually the best time to show some love to your lawn equipment before you put it away for winter. Change your oil and filter, replace air and gas filters, and install new blades if necessary. Then perform the lubrication and adjustment maintenance required by your equipment’s manual. But you don’t want to drain the gas tank completely. Instead use a premium gasoline without ethanol but with a gas preservative. Just before you store it, fill the tank with this mix.
If all of this seems a little beyond your comfort level, or you’ve done all you can and your lawnmower won’t turn over, you can always call in a pro to do it for you. Keep in mind it will cost about $700 for a qualified repair person.
Pace yourself
If you’re afraid you’ll fail to get a handle on your fall tasks, schedule one per week on your calendar so September doesn’t get away from you.
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